Body Image in Sport: What Athletes Get Wrong About Weight & Performance with Sports Dietitian Adena Neglia

Body image isn’t just a “women’s issue” or something that affects aesthetic sport. It shows up across all athletes, from elite professionals to everyday runners.

In this episode, I’m joined by sports dietitian Adena Neglia, who’s worked with elite teams like the Brooklyn Nets and New York City Ballet, to unpack the complicated relationship between body image, fueling, and performance.

We dive into why athletes are uniquely vulnerable to body image struggles, how one small comment from a coach can stick for years, and why the belief that “leaner = faster” isn’t backed by science. Adena also shares what she’s seeing behind the scenes with elite athletes and how it’s not so different from what everyday runners experience.

If you’ve ever thought, “I’d be faster if I just lost a few pounds,” this episode is a must-listen.

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