The Applied Body Composition Collaborative in Sport (ABCs) is a working group of Athletes, Academics, Coaches and Practitioners aiming to transform the way body composition is perceived and applied in sports. By driving evidence-based practices, the ABCs seek to challenge outdated norms and promote a holistic, athlete-centred approach that prioritises both performance and well-being.

The ABCs Working Group

  • Dr Lindsay MacNaughton

    Assistant Professor, Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Durham University and Sport Nutritionist at Newcastle Falcons and TASS

  • Richard Chessor MSc

    Science and Medicine Lead at GB Aquatics

  • Tom Coughlin MSc

    Performance Nutrition Consultant

  • Dr SarahJane Cullen

    Associate Professor in Sport and Exercise Physiology in Dublin City University and Sports Physiologist in Sport Ireland Institute

  • Calum Jarvis

    Olympic Swimming Assistant Coach

  • Dr Sharon Madigan

    Head of Performance Nutrition at Sport Ireland Institute

  • Dr Steve Marshall

    Assistant Professor in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology at Northumbria University

  • Dr Luisa Vargas

    Postdoctoral Fellow at Memorial University of Newfoundland

Our Rationale

  • Body composition must be communicated carefully to avoid unnecessary emotional distress, ensuring athletes, coaches, students and the wider support network understand the broader context beyond isolated metrics.

  • Overemphasis on body composition can trigger harmful behaviours and poor psychosocial health, highlighting the need for a more balanced approach to using these measurements.

  • Body composition practices should account for individual factors like sex, age, ability and consider the demands of the sport, ensuring fair, inclusive support for all athletes.

  • Current body composition tools are often unreliable and focusing on measuring lean mass rather than body fat percentage may offer more meaningful insights into health and performance.

  • A cultural shift is needed to move sports organisations away from appearance-based judgments and non-evidence-based ideology and toward a more holistic view of athletic success and well-being.

Contact Us

Do you want to know more or need expert comment regarding body composition in sport?

Please use the form below to contact the group.