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 By driving evidence-based practices, the ABCs seek to challenge outdated norms and promote a holistic, athlete-centred approach that prioritises both performance and well-being.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
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Dr Lindsay MacNaughton
Assistant Professor, Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Durham University and Sport Nutritionist at Newcastle Falcons and TASS
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Richard Chessor MSc
Science and Medicine Lead at GB Aquatics
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Tom Coughlin MSc
Performance Nutrition Consultant, SENR Practitioner
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Dr SarahJane Cullen
Associate Professor in Sport and Exercise Physiology in Dublin City University and Sports Physiologist in Sport Ireland Institute
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Calum Jarvis
Olympic Swimming Assistant Coach
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Dr Sharon Madigan
Head of Performance Nutrition at Sport Ireland Institute
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Dr Steve Marshall
Assistant Professor in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology at Northumbria University
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Dr Luisa Pereira Vargas
Postdoctoral Fellow at Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada
Our Rationale
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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.
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Overemphasis on body composition can trigger harmful behaviours and poor psychosocial health, highlighting the need for a more balanced approach to using these measurements.
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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.
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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.
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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.