What is REDs ?

REDs is defined as:
“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 haematological health, which can all individually and synergistically lead to impaired well-being, increased injury risk and decreased sports performance.”

In other words, REDs occurs when an athlete’s caloric intake is insufficient for the body’s requirements. The resultant energy deficit, if severe and/or maintained over time, can cause a variety of adverse health and performance outcomes. Find out more about these consequences.

Energy deficits in female athletes have been recognized for several decades as the Female Athlete Triad. In 2014, the International Olympic Committee defined REDs to describe the impacts of low energy availability beyond those outlined by the Triad. Sports science and sports medicine researchers continue to uncover the wide-ranging health effects of low energy availability; the International Olympic Committee (IOC) published a REDs special edition in 2023, highlighting the current state of REDs research and the implications of low energy availability.

All athletes, regardless of age, gender, sport, body size, participation, or achievement in sport are susceptible to developing low energy availability, the underlying cause of REDs. Thus, screening and prevention strategies are important for all athletes.