Culture is Paramount to Change
Stop trying to "fix" the athlete and start examining the system. REDs often stems from normalized unhealthy practices in sport environments. Real prevention happens when organizations shift from cultures that inadvertently promote energy deficiency to ones that prioritize sustainable health alongside performance.
REDS Requires Team-Based Care, Not Individual Solutions
You cannot effectively treat or prevent REDS as a single practitioner. Success demands coordinated effort between physicians, dietitians, mental health professionals, and coaches working together with clear communication pathways and shared goals.Many Athletes Have REDS Without Knowing It
Not all REDs cases involve intentional restriction or eating disorders. High-training athletes, especially growing adolescents, often simply don't understand the massive caloric demands of their sport. Education about energy needs can resolve these cases more easily than those involving psychological factors.
One Size Doesn't Fit All
Female athletes require training and nutrition protocols tailored to their physiology, not adapted from male-based research.Environment is Everything
Creating safe, supportive spaces—physically, psychologically, and throughout life stages—empowers athletes to thrive on and off the field.
Early Intervention Matters
Education on fueling, movement, and body awareness at a young age is essential to prevent REDs and long-term health risks.