A follow-up plan for athletes with DE should allow sport participation only if which conditions are met?

A follow-up plan for athletes with DE should allow sport participation only if which conditions are met?

• A. Athlete achieves a full cure before returning
• B. Health risks are minimal and the athlete complies with all treatment components
• C. Athlete participates privately without medical clearance
• D. Participation is approved by the coaching staff regardless of health status

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is that a safe return to sport for athletes with disordered eating depends on two things: the health risks being minimized and the athlete fully engaging with and following the treatment plan. When medical and nutritional status is stabilized enough that risks to health are low, and the athlete is consistently adhering to medical, nutritional, and psychological treatments, a return to sport can be considered under ongoing professional supervision. This approach reflects the need for a coordinated, multidisciplinary plan rather than leaving return decisions to non-medical parties. Full recovery is not required before return, but participation should never occur while health risks are present or treatment components are ignored.

The main idea here is that a safe return to sport for athletes with disordered eating depends on two things: the health risks being minimized and the athlete fully engaging with and following the treatment plan. When medical and nutritional status is stabilized enough that risks to health are low, and the athlete is consistently adhering to medical, nutritional, and psychological treatments, a return to sport can be considered under ongoing professional supervision. This approach reflects the need for a coordinated, multidisciplinary plan rather than leaving return decisions to non-medical parties. Full recovery is not required before return, but participation should never occur while health risks are present or treatment components are ignored.