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Relative energy deficiency in sport is where an individual’s dietary energy intake is insufficient to support the energy expenditure required for health, function, and daily living, once the cost of exercise and sporting activities is taken into account
REDs can cause adverse effects on all bodily systems, including impairments of metabolic rate, menstrual function, bone health, immunity, protein synthesis, and cardiovascular health, all of which could translate into performance and training effects (see diagram)
Some warning signs of REDs in female athletes:
1. Lack of consecutive menstrual cycles/ periods or a change to previously regular menstrual cycle
2. Not starting periods by 15.5 years
3. Recurring injuries
4. Frequent illnesses
5. Decrease in performance and/or training
1. Lack of consecutive menstrual cycles/ periods or a change to previously regular menstrual cycle
2. Not starting periods by 15.5 years
3. Recurring injuries
4. Frequent illnesses
5. Decrease in performance and/or training
6. Poor recovery between training sessions
7. Low/poor appetite
8. Low libido/ drop in sexual function
9. Rapid weight loss
10. Poor sleep patterns and tiredness
Any many more...
7. Low/poor appetite
8. Low libido/ drop in sexual function
9. Rapid weight loss
10. Poor sleep patterns and tiredness
Any many more...
Please do not ignore these signs. If you think you, or one of your athletes might be suffering from REDs please seek help and support from you doctor, GP or other medical stuff/ support team staff.
