RELATIVE ENERGY DEFICIENCY IN SPORTS
(REDs)
As a certified Informed REDs Provider, Jessica Rogers is committed to helping athletes, active individuals, teams, coaches, athlete providers, etc. understand and navigate REDs (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport)—a condition that can severely impact health and performance when left unaddressed.
WHAT IS
REDs?
Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs)
Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) is a syndrome that affects both female and male athletes. It arises from Low Energy Availability (LEA)—a prolonged and/or severe mismatch between dietary energy intake and energy expended during exercise, leaving the body without enough energy for essential functions.
Low Energy Availability (LEA)
Low Energy Availability (LEA) occurs when the energy used for exercise is not adequately replaced with food. This imbalance deprives the body of the energy it needs to support basic physiological functions like hormone production, bone health, metabolism, and brain function.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF REDs
REDs CAN AFFECT EVERY SYSTEM IN THE BODY
HEALTH OUTCOMES:
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Growth and Development: Stunted growth or delayed development.
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Bone Health: Low bone mineral density, stress fractures.
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Immune System: Increased illness or infection.
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Reproductive Health: Irregular or missing periods, reduced libido, low testosterone.
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Gastrointestinal Health: Bloating, constipation, abdominal pain.
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Iron Status: Low iron or poor absorption.
HEALTH OUTCOMES (cont.)
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Urinary Health: Incontinence.
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Glucose and Lipid Metabolism: Low blood sugar, high cholesterol.
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Mental Health: Anxiety, depression, disordered eating.
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Cognitive Function: Poor concentration, decision-making, memory
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Sleep: Disturbances or insomnia
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Cardiovascular Health: Impaired heart function.
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Muscle Function: Decreased protein synthesis and strength
PERFORMANCE OUTCOMES:
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Decreased power and endurance.
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Increased injury or illness time.
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Poor training response and recovery.
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Reduced motivation and cognitive performance.
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Decline in mood and well-being.
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Lowered strength and explosive performance.
Citation: Mountjoy M, Ackerman KE, Bailey DM, et al. Br J Sports Med 2024;57:1073–1098.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT REDs
Working with an experienced team ensures proper identification, treatment, and recovery from REDs.
There is no single test for REDs. Diagnosis involves ruling out other conditions and working with a multidisciplinary team of experts that are trained and experienced with diagnosing and treating REDs in athletes.
WORK WITH AN INFORMED REDs PROVIDER
As an Informed REDs Provider, Jessica Rogers has undergone training and education to support individuals through the identification, treatment, and recovery of REDs.
You can also find Jessica's listing in the Certified REDs Informed Provider Directory
TOGETHER, WE CAN:
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Restore energy balance.
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Build a sustainable relationship with food, exercise, and performance.
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Protect your long-term health and athletic success.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Certified REDs Informed Provider Directory
2023 International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) consensus statement on Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs)
British Journal of Sports Medicine
Margo Mountjoy, Kathryn E Ackerman, David M Bailey, Louise M Burke, Naama Constantini, Anthony C Hackney7, Ida Aliisa Heikura, Anna Melin, Anne Marte Pensgaard, Trent Stellingwerff, Jorunn Kaiander Sundgot-Borgen, Monica Klungland Torstveit, Astrid Uhrenholdt Jacobsen, Evert Verhagen, Richard Budgett, Lars Engebretsen, Uğur Erdener
IF YOU'RE EXPERIENCING SYMPTOMS OF REDs OR CONCERNED ABOUT YOUR ENERGY AVAILABILTY
YOU'RE NOT ALONE - AND SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE.
Contact Jessica Rogers today to schedule a discovery call or learn more about informed REDs nutrition counseling.