A mismatch between the number of calories consumed and the amount of energy expended may be harming the health of some sportspeople, and not only those who compete at an elite level. Relative energy deficiency in sport (Reds) was first recognised by the International Olympic Committee in 2014 and a panel of international experts is continuing to scrutinise the latest science to improve diagnosis and prevention.
The concept of Reds developed from the “female athlete triad”, a combination of menstrual dysfunction, low energy and weakened bones seen in young female athletes who are exercising hard and not eating enough.
