What is RED-S?
Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport, more commonly referred to as RED-S, refers to a condition in which energy imbalance leads to impaired physiological function of multiple organ systems and expands on the diagnosis previously known as the “Female Athlete Triad”(1).
Needless to say, that definition is incredibly dense, so what really is RED-S and how do you spot it in your athlete, teammates, or perhaps even yourself?
Simply put, RED-S occurs when an athlete is not getting enough energy through food to support them in both training and daily life. RED-S can affect folks of any gender, age, or athletic ability. RED-S is characterized by Low Energy Availability or LEA. Going for a long time without enough energy to fuel your body can lead to decreases in performance, not to mention the long-term health consequences it can have on an athlete. Athletes suffering from RED-S experience an increase in weight loss, distraction, dizziness, nausea, irritability, moodiness, injuries, & sicknesses. They also may experience a decreased sex drive, and those assigned female at birth will likely see a disruption in their period (2).
If you or someone you know may be suffering from RED-S seek the help of a qualified professional. To learn more about RED-S click here to access a 15-minute in-depth recorded presentation on this very subject.
Sources: 1). Dave SC, Fisher M. Relative energy deficiency in sport (RED - S). Curr Probl Pediatr Adolesc Health Care. 2022;52(8):101242. doi:10.1016/j.cppeds.2022.1012422). Boston Children’s Hospital. Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs). https://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions/reds. Accessed September 2024. 