Weight Control Is A Serious Issue Who determines when a gymnast is overweight? Do gymnasts eat right at home? What effect can a coaches words have on an athletes weight and self-esteem? Publish Date: Thu, 03 Apr 2008 17:03:21 -0500 Read more...

[quote]In my opinion, no coach should be prescribing or even suggesting the gymnast alter her diet without having a medical evaluation to find the ratio of fat to lean muscle tissue of that gymnast. To find the ratio of fat to lean muscle tissue, underwater weighing or taking measurements with the use of skin calipers at specific anatomical sites can help determine a base score. Subsequent testing, combined with tracking of food intake and workout intensity, may be evaluated by a medical professional to determine the proper course of action from a dietary standpoint for a particular athlete. If the results suggest a change in diet, that change should only occur with the advice and guidance of a qualified nutritionist.[/quote] http://ezinearticles.com/?Weight-Control-Is-A-Serious-Issue&id=1084058 A lot of coaches do though probably... ..That is so technical with the measuring and analyzing, why not exercise and eat what you want, and eat healthy...yesterday on the news they were talking about how many glasses of water you should drink, and about the '8 glasses of water rule' or whatever that is, and one expert came on and just said you should drink when you're thirsty - that's how you're body is made! btw: bread has water in it, and so do a lot of other foods!