REDs
Relative energy deficiency in sport (REDs) is a syndrome of impaired physiological and/or psychological functioning experienced by female and male athletes that is caused by exposure to problematic (prolonged and/or severe) LEA. The detrimental outcomes include, but are not limited to, decreases in energy metabolism, reproductive function, musculoskeletal health, immunity, glycogen synthesis and cardiovascular and hematological health, which can all individually and synergistically lead to impaired well- being, increased injury risk and decreased sports performance. |
Low energy availability can occur unintentionally, whereby an athlete is not aware of their energy requirements for their exercise expenditure. Or it can occur intentionally where low body weight is perceived to be a sporting or aesthetic advantage. Equally REDs can occur along with an eating disorder. REDs used to be confined to high performing athletes, but with the rise of fitness trends in the Western World it is not affecting the everyday gym goer. The longer low energy availability continues the harder it becomes to restore health both physically and psychologically. |