Gymnastics is an aesthetic sport that requires speed, power, and coordination. Dietary assessments of high-level gymnasts indicate that many of these athletes consume less than the recommended amount of energy and some nutrients for their age and training load. It is particularly important that young gymnasts consume sufficient energy and nutrients to meet the demands of growth, training, competition, and tissue maintenance. Education and counseling regarding factors associated with optimal nutrition and body composition should be provided to gymnasts, parents, coaches, and health personnel. Circumstances that may adversely affect the gymnast's short- and long-term health include low energy availability, disordered eating behaviors, and eating disorders. Some gymnasts cross the line from dieting and use of pathogenic weight loss methods to serious, diagnosable eating disorders. A continuous focus on optimal energy and nutrient intake for performance and health aspects, especially emphasizing the prevention of the female athlete triad, is important for all professionals working with young gymnasts.