Nutrition, strength, and conditioning programs for 19 year old female jockey who does extreme weight loss diets like fighters
The daughter of a co worker is a 19 year old jockey and exercise rider for thoroughbred racehorses. She is taking advice from older male jockeys and chose to do rapid weight loss right before a race rather than maintain a healthy, fit weight closer to her race weight. I’m looking for research or articles on the the impact this has on a young female body as well as articles with recommendations for nutrition and fitness programs specifically for female jockeys. This young lady is obstinate, part of what makes her good at what she does, but won’t listen to anyone when it comes to preparing and protecting her body for a long career. Anyone that has info or can point me toward resources would be greatly appreciated
Hi Jennifer,
I can certainly understand your concern for your co-workers daughter. Extreme diets resulting in rapid weight loss is not recommended. I have read many books on the subject matter and the consensus is that diets do not work. Research now shows that rapid weight loss or weight loss with the wrong approach can result in hormonal imbalances, a damaged metabolism and a decrease in the metabolic rate by 300 kcal/day. Diets are not a “one size fits all” approach. We are as different on the inside as we are on the outside. A female body is completely different than a male body. What seems to be working for these male jockeys will not work for her. A better approach is for her to find a safe nutrition program and exercise program that will work for her unique body and safely give her the results she is looking for.
Below is an article written by Jill Coleman (www.jillfit.com), who happens to train women for figure & bodybuilding competitions. She is also one of the co-founders of Metabolic Effect. Her husband, Dr. Jade Teta, is one of the authors of the two books I listed below.
http://www.metaboliceffect.com/why-one-size-fits-all-diets-do-not-work/
Some of the books that I have read are “The Metabolic Effect” and “Lose Weight Here”. Both of these books are written by Drs. Jade and Keoni Teta. Both individuals are Naturopathic Physicians with there undergraduate degrees in biochemistry.
I hope this information will help.