This one is dedicated to our female athletes. RED-S stands for relative energy deficiency in sport. It is a syndrome with a few characteristics: low energy availability or disordered eating, amenorrhea/oligomenorrhoea, and decreased bone mineral density (osteoporosis or osteopenia). This condition is caused by too little food to support the expenditure of the athlete. This is a serious condition with lifelong health consequences.
Historically, this condition was specific to females, but has also been in males (minus the amenorrhea—absence of menstural cycle); hence the name change. But for the sake of this post, I want to focus on the female athlete. This condition is most common in sports that emphasize a leaner, lower body weight such as gymnastics, swimming and track and field, but can be found in any activity.
Did you know…?
- Low energy availability plays a role in reproductive and skeletal health.
- Athletes should be assessed for this condition during pre-participation physicals or annual health screenings.
- Treatment should be coordinated with multiple professionals: physician or healthcare provider, a registered dietician, and if an eating disorder is suspected a mental health professional.
- The goal for treatment should be to increase energy availability by increasing intake or reducing expenditure.
If you are a female athlete and any of these symptoms resonate with you, please reach out! I’m happy to give you tools and resources to become healthier.
If you are a parent or coach and suspect an athlete to be struggling with this, also reach out.