Low Energy Availabilty and RED-S: Are Coaches Well Informed?

by | Nov 21, 2023 | athlete burnout, Coaching, Performance Psychology, sport psychology | 0 comments

Do Coaches Understand Low Energy Availability and the Importance of Fueling for Recovery in Athletes?

Recently, during a consultation, a young athlete shared something concerning. She mentioned her coach had advised her team to avoid overeating during a tapering week, “to avoid gaining weight”.

This advice was surprising and worrisome, particularly because it was directed at young female athletes in a non-weight-classed sport. This conversation sheds light on two critical issues: 1) the potential harm of such remarks by coaches. 2) a lack of understanding of dietary requirements in young athletes and a lack of awareness about Low Energy Availability and RED-S, which I will summarise in this article.

Impact of RED-S and Low Energy Availabilty

Image1 : Impact of RED-S on the body systems.

Coaches Words Impact

As someone who works closely with athletes, I was astonished that an experienced coach could overlook the importance of proper nutrition and the risks of triggering eating disorders in young athletes. Additionally, I will return to the issue of the often unappreciated power of a coach’s words in another article; however, in this article, I’ll delve into Low Energy Availability (LEA) and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S).

Low Energy Availability (LEA) and RED-S

The International Olympic Committee recently updated their consensus statement on Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs), and in doing so, stressed the difference between LEA and RED-S and the importance of proper assessment and diagnostic processes to ensure neither under nor over-diagnosis of these conditions.

 
To be clear, Low Energy Availability (LEA)  occurs when athletes don’t consume enough energy to balance what they expend during exercise. LEA can lead to serious problems like low energy and motivation, fatigue, weight loss, irritability, and depression, and RED-S, which stands for Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport, is a broader issue resulting from ongoing LEA and includes a range of health and performance challenges.
 
Impact of RED-S and Low Energy Availability

Image 2: RED-S Impact on the Athlete

 
Increasingly, RED-S has been examined in research, highlighting its impact not only on physical health but also significantly on mental health. These insights have led to the development of updated models and tools for better understanding, diagnosing, and managing RED-S. Moreover, new guidelines and the RED-S Clinical Assessment Tool-Version 2 have been introduced to aid in its detection and treatment, emphasising the importance of maintaining athletes’ physical and mental well-being.

Low Energy Availability & RED-S – Psychological Impact

It’s important to note that athletes may experience mental health issues such as mood disturbances, anxiety, and depression even before physical symptoms appear. It’s important to note that RED-S not only affects physical health but also the psychological well-being of athletes, impacting their mood, motivation and performance.

Recognising the difference between LEA and RED-S is vital for effective intervention. Coaches, parents, and clubs must be vigilant for signs like low energy, mood changes, and frequent injuries. Additionally, creating a supportive environment and promoting open communication can help early detection and intervention. It’s also beneficial for sports organisations to involve a qualified sports dietitian who can educate coaches, athletes, and parents about these issues. In fact, dieticians play a key role in managing LEA and RED-S. They provide tailored nutrition strategies to support athletes’ training, competition, and recovery.

Team Approach to Care

Therefore, collaborating with other healthcare professionals is essential for comprehensive care. Understanding the difference between and the significance of LEA and RED-S, along with the roles of coaches, parents, dietitians, and healthcare professionals, is crucial in supporting the health and performance of athletes. Addressing these issues requires a multidisciplinary approach for effective management, emphasising the importance of both physical and mental health in sports.

Are Coaches and Clubs Up to Date?

It is clear that coaches and clubs hold a pivotal role in shaping the well-being and success of athletes, making it imperative for them to stay informed about current scientific findings on topics like athletes’ dietary needs and mental health challenges. In today’s fast-evolving sports environment, relying solely on traditional methods or the mindset of “doing what we have always done” is no longer sufficient.

RED-S Assessment tool – to be used by qualified professionals

Coaches and others supporting athletes must actively seek out and integrate the latest research about Low Energy Availability & RED-S, stay informed about best sports nutrition and psychology practices and integrate them into their training programs.

This approach ensures they speak and act from an informed perspective, aligning their guidance with contemporary understanding rather than outdated beliefs. Regular workshops, collaborations with appropriately qualified professionals such as sports dietitians and psychologists, and continuing education can help coaches and club leaders stay updated. By doing so, they not only enhance their athletes’ physical and mental performance but also foster a supportive and progressive environment that reduces the chances of athletes developing Low Energy Availability and RED-S and prioritises the overall well-being of each athlete.

 
 
References
  1. Mountjoy, M., Sundgot-Borgen, J., Burke, L., et al. (2023). International Olympic Committee’s consensus statement on Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs). PubMed. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
  2. HPRC Online. (n.d.). The Athlete Triad and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S). Retrieved from https://www.hprc-online.org/
  3. Boston Children’s Hospital. (n.d.). Relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S). Retrieved from https://answers.childrenshospital.org/
  4. PubMed. (n.d.). Sports Dietitian practices for assessing and managing athletes at risk of low energy availability (LEA). Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

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