RED-S : What you need to know
Here at NTS we have discussed the emerging issue of RED-S . While eating disorders can be common in endurance sports for both women and men RED-S can affect athletes who are unintentionally under fueling as well. As we enter a time of year when racing intensity will ramp up it's important that athletes and coaches are aware of the signs of under fueling and how it can detract from training and racing performance.
2) Though the need for males to be included in LEA studies has been highlighted, there is continued scarcity in that only 20% of studies on REDs from 2018-2022 have included male subjects
3) para athletes may be at an even greater risk for LEA compared to their able bodied fellow athletes.
Here’s a quick synopsis of the REDs consensus statement so you don’t have to read it all in detail now. This is from a colleague’s newsletter, so paraphrase it a bit if you’re going to use it “RED-S International Olympic Committee Consensus Statement. You can also check out this great article by Lizzie Larkins about REDs.
In August 2023, the International Olympic Committee published its updated (from 2018) consensus statement on Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs). This is important because it provides clinical assessment tools for detection which can be helpful for athletes and coaches.
In August 2023, the International Olympic Committee published its updated (from 2018) consensus statement on Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs). This is important because it provides clinical assessment tools for detection which can be helpful for athletes and coaches.
1) The unique bidirectional relationship between mental health and REDs: mental health issues can exist prior to the athlete experiencing REDs or REDs can contribute to poor mental health.
2) Though the need for males to be included in LEA studies has been highlighted, there is continued scarcity in that only 20% of studies on REDs from 2018-2022 have included male subjects
3) para athletes may be at an even greater risk for LEA compared to their able bodied fellow athletes.
IOC Statement:
The consensus, informed by a panel of international experts, draws on key advances in REDs science over the past five years, with the aim of promoting wider recognition and prevention of the syndrome, and optimising athlete health, psychological well-being and performance. In particular, the Statement highlights:
- New evidence on the emerging role of inadequate carbohydrate intake;
- The overlap between REDs and overtraining syndrome;
- The timeline of REDs development;
- The interplay between mental health and REDs; and
- Advances in the understanding of the syndrome in male athletes and Para athletes.
IOC leading the way in research into REDs
REDs affects multiple body systems and functions as well as athlete performance, and was first recognised as a distinct entity by the IOC in a 2014 Consensus Statement, which was updated in 2018.
IOC Medical and Scientific Director Dr Richard Budgett explained: “IOC consensus statements have a central role to play in the translation of research and theory into clinical practice. And this new statement will do much to protect athletes’ health through improvements in both the prevention and management of REDs.”
While the true prevalence of REDs varies between sports – with estimates ranging between 15 per cent and 80 per cent of elite athletes – the Statement finds that the syndrome often goes unrecognised by athletes themselves and their coaches and team clinicians, and may be unintentionally exacerbated by “sports culture” due to the perceived short-term performance gains from limiting calorie intake.
“REDs is common in both male and female athletes in many sports, and although we understand a lot more about its causes, awareness of the syndrome, and its consequences for health and performance, is still low among athletes, their medical and performance support teams, and the general public,” explained Professor Margo Mountjoy, IOC Medical and Scientific Commission Games Group member and the lead author of the Consensus Statement.
“We very much hope that this Consensus Statement will enhance awareness and understanding of REDs and stimulate action by sports organisations and scientists, and athlete health and performance teams, to protect the health and well-being of the many athletes at risk of this syndrome.”