RED-S can impair health and sport performance.

Lowered energy availability: an underfueled athlete is a slowed and weakened athlete. No matter what the sport, if your muscles lack sufficient and proper fuel, performance is impaired. At first there might just be some early fatigue. As the fuel deficit worsens, actual loss of strength and muscle size can occur as the body uses skeletal muscle in order to fuel essential body functions, like heart function and breathing. Lack of fuel can also lead to your inability to concentrate, not a quality befitting an athlete. If you are an athlete with strength losses and poor concentration, you can be more easily injured. Injuries then are slow to heal in a poorly fueled body.

Amenorrhea: Loss of menstrual periods may signal a change in your body's intricate and complicated hormone system. Hormone imbalance from underfueling your body can result in lowered estrogen production. There are also other causes of lowered estrogen levels. A diminished estrogen level can have many effects; the most immediately apparent one can be bone loss. Amenorrhea can often go unreported to medical providers because of the common belief it is "just part of the training effect." We do know that the bone loss that occurs as a result of this is NOT "just part of the training effect" and can start to occur after just a few months with no period. 

Low bone mineral density: Loss of bone, especially if you are an athlete, can be an unfortunate setup for an injury. Stress fractures can sideline sports activity and be slow to repair if you are underfueled. Repeated stress fractures and unexplained injuries should be a red flag to further evaluate your eating and exercise patterns. Bone loss that occurs because of amenorrhea can be permanent. 

Prevention of RED-S is the best way to stay healthy so you can enjoy participating in your sport. Try these tips:

• Choose an activity that complements your natural body strengths and suits you as an individual.

• Realize your health is more important than competitive success. Taking health risks for a perceived competitive edge will make you lose in the long run.

• Be wary of those who value your competitive success over your well being.

• According to the NCAA, weight should be de-emphasized as a factor in performance.

• Frequent weigh-ins, weight comments and punitive consequences for weight gain may increase an athlete's risk for the Triad.

• Appreciate your own healthy, active body. Don't compare yourself to others, especially those portrayed in the media. Optimal weight for health AND performance is different for everyone.

• Realize the thinnest athletes are not necessarily the fastest or the strongest.

• Think of fuel as the ultimate performance enhancer! Before choosing a weight-loss diet, consult with a nutritionist who can provide personalized recommendations to promote a healthy weight and boost athletic performance.

• Don't starve your bones. Part of your fuel mix should include several servings a day of good calcium sources like milk, yogurt, cheese, calcium-fortified juices and soy products. If you are lactose-intolerant, try some of the no-lactose dairy products available. Green leafy vegetables, almonds and beans also have some calcium. People who menstruate who are no longer getting periods are encouraged to consume 1500 mg/day of calcium until the amenorrhea is resolved. The best outcome appears to be achieved with a combination of dietary and supplemental calcium sources. Supplements should also include vitamin D to help increase calcium absorption.

• Be a role model with both your words and actions. Speak up when you hear others making negative comments about weight or body shape. Compliment friends and teammates on their talents and personality, not their looks. Take a positive attitude about fueling yourself and enjoying foods. 

Health Services Dietitian 401-863-3558
Confidential information or care is available through individual appointments with a Registered Dietitian.  Students can discuss personal eating concerns, as well as any concerns they may have regarding a friend, a roommate, or a teammate. There are no fees for these services and both varsity and non-varsity athletes may see the dietitian.

Athletics Sports Dietitian
Varsity athletes may schedule an appointment with the sports dietitian in Athletics. Contact your athletic trainer for more information. 

University Health Services 401.863-3953
Confidential information and care is available on a walk-in, or by scheduled appointment basis. Care is available for initial, current or past disordered eating patients. There are no fees for medical care at Health Services. However, there may be fees incurred if laboratory tests, medications, specialist or emergency hospital care is needed.

Counseling and Psychological Services 401.863-3476 
Confidential appointments are available at Counseling and Psychological Services for students concerned about their eating issues. Guidance is also available for those who are concerned about a friend, roommate, or teammates' eating. Services include crisis intervention, short-term psychotherapy and referrals. There are no fees for appointments at Counseling and Psychological Services.