WIR IM SPORT 03.2022
Magazine of the Landessportbund NRW
PDF download
What is it about the so-called "relative energy deficit in sport" (RED-S) that causes sports physicians to worry? To put it in a nutshell: RED-S is a serious health disorder in athletes.
Less able to perform
In most cases, a reduction in performance or an increased susceptibility to injury or infection is initially noticed during training. Other conspicuous symptoms may include a lack of motivation, depressive phases or changes in the cardiovascular system. Laboratory tests may show reduced concentrations of hormones. If, for example, a constellation in the sense of an underactive thyroid gland is found, this is not to be interpreted as a disease of the thyroid gland, but as a consequence of the energy-saving program described above.
RED-S typically occurs in sports where low weight is initially an advantage. For example, these may be endurance sports, weight-bearing sports, or aesthetic sports such as gymnastics or ballet. However, if a low weight is initially an advantage, the symptoms mentioned above occur as the low energy intake increases.
Often symptoms are misinterpreted and not associated with low weight. In this case, external support is needed in cooperation with doctors, psychologists, trainersand nutritionists.
