RED-S

RED-S

What is it and why do we screen for it?

RED-S stands for Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport. We see it all the time in our office. Whether it is from a high-performance athlete in training or a recreational athlete with a day-to-day in the gym. The term is simply put: not fueling enough to support the body through movement. 

RED-S does not discriminate and can affect all athletes - no matter the sport or training regimen or gender. All bodies that move are at risk so it is important to learn the signs/symptoms and to seek out help if needed.

If left untreated, RED-S can impair the following systems:

• Reproductive health

• Bone health

• Immunity

• Metabolism

• Heart health

• Psychological health

Things to be aware of if you are a parent, coach, trainer, friend, loved one or the athlete:

• Increased awareness of negative effects of low energy availability in body

• Increase of injuries

• No menstrual cycle if female

• Fatigue and decreased endurance/training

• Decreased coordination

• Rapid weight loss

• Low libido if male

• Frequent illness

• Irritability, anxious or depressive symptoms

• Safe standards of monitoring body weight and composition as needed

• Positive lingo around bodies - no body shaming for training of certain sports

If identified, treatment involves a whole team:

• Physician/pediatrician: treats physical health 

• Dietitian: educates and meal plans for sport

• Therapist : reviews behavioral therapy around anxieties, identity, sport

We use a specific screening tool in our office to determine the risk and severity of RED-S in all clients who move.

Overall, is it preventable? Absolutely. Learning how to fuel your body for your sport is key. There is such great research out there reviewing how we do not take athletes out of their sport and the importance of keeping them in their sport or moving. Our bodies are meant to move. We just need to learn how to fuel for this movement. 

Some great resources that we love:

@fed_collaborative

Leslie Schilling - website and social handles

Rebecca McConville 

As always, there is no right or wrong here. Just simple education. A big thing we focus on at Worley Nutrition Group is educating and empowering. There is so much misinformation out there and we see it all the time in our office. Education is power and hope you continue to take this in to account as you fuel your body!