23/07/2026
RED-S is not just a problem for elite athletes. Here's what every clinician working in sport should know. ๐โโ๏ธ
Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport occurs when energy intake consistently falls short of what the body needs โ not just for performance, but for basic physiological function. The consequences reach far beyond the obvious.
At last week's education evening, Dr Ajai Seth, Kate Shilland and Dr Richard Antbring covered the key clinical territory:
โก RED-S affects hormonal balance, bone health, immune function, cardiovascular health and psychological wellbeing โ not just athletic performance
โก It is seen across all sports, all genders, and all levels โ recreational athletes are just as vulnerable as elite competitors
โก Early recognition is critical โ the signs are often subtle and easily attributed to overtraining or poor recovery
โก Effective management requires a multidisciplinary approach โ sports medicine, nutrition and psychology working in concert
โก Return to full training should be gradual, guided by objective markers of recovery rather than subjective readiness
If you're working with athletes and haven't yet completed formal training on RED-S, it belongs on your CPD list.
Details of our next educational evening coming soon โ link in bio to find out more about LBSM. ๐