Treatment for premature osteoporosis may include calcium supplementation to 1,500 milligrams and birth control pills, which offer hormone protection until the athlete regains weight and begins menstruating again. The anorexic athlete is in conflict about weight gain and sports performance. She is usually resistant to dietary changes. The dietitian will establish a rapport with the client in order to develop a diet plan appropriate to her needs. The relationship between her diet, performance and health must be clearly outlined.
Proper nutrition is as important to athletics as physical training.
The first dietary objective is to stop weight loss and develop a regular eating pattern. The dietitian will recommend a balanced diet with portions from each food group. The dietician will increase the athlete's food portion sizes over time to increase energy, or calorie, intake. Adding 200 calories a day per week may not be an overwhelming goal. Anorexics often severely restrict certain foods, such as fats, carbohydrates or animal meats.