Info for Teachers, Coaches, and Community
This page brings together trusted web tools and books designed to help educators, coaches, and community leaders better understand eating disorders, body image, weight stigma, and prevention. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your classroom approach, create a safer team culture, or deepen your own understanding, these resources offer practical guidance rooted in compassion, inclusivity, and research. You don’t need to be an expert to make a meaningful impact. Small shifts in language, awareness, and support can go a long way.
Web Resources:
National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA). www.nationaleatingdisorders.org
A comprehensive and accessible resource on eating disorders, prevention, and early intervention. Particularly helpful for adults working with children, teens, and athletes.
Recommended toolkits:
Educator Toolkit: http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/educator-toolkit
Coach and Trainer Toolkit: http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/coach-trainer
These toolkits offer concrete guidance on recognizing warning signs, using supportive language, and responding appropriately when concerns arise.
The Body Project. https://www.bodyprojectcollaborative.com
An evidence-based eating disorder prevention program that focuses on reducing body dissatisfaction and thin-ideal internalization. Useful for schools, colleges, and community programs interested in structured prevention efforts.
Books:
Body Wars by Margo Maine.
Healthy Bodies: Teaching Kids What They Need to Know: A Comprehensive Curriculum to Address Body Image, Eating, Fitness and Weight Concerns in Today’s Challenging Environment by Kathy Kater.
The Body Project: Promoting Body Acceptance and Preventing Eating Disorders Facilitator Guide by
Eric Stice and Katherine Presnell.
Inside/Outside Self-Discovery for Teens: Strategies to Promote Resilience, Relationships, and Positive Body Image by Helene Feinberg-Walker, Sarah Barrett, and Jane Shure.
Packaging Girlhood Rescuing Our Daughters from Marketers’ Schemes by Sharon Lamb, Ed.D., and Lyn Mikel Brown, Ed.D.
Big Fat Lies: The Truth About Your Weight and Your Health By Glenn Gaesser.
Health At Every Size: The Surprising Truth About Your Weight by Lindo Bacon.
Fat Politics: The Real Story Behind America’s Obesity Epidemic by J. Eric Oliver.
How to Use These Resources:
You do not need to read or implement everything at once. Many people start by:
Reviewing language they use around food, bodies, weight, and performance
Learning early warning signs of disordered eating
Creating policies or norms that reduce shame and comparison
Knowing when and how to refer a student or athlete for additional support
Even one shift toward neutrality, curiosity, and compassion can help create safer environments for the people in your care. If you would like help translating these ideas into practical changes for your classroom, team, or organization, support and consultation are available.