29. Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) cycling performance and health
My body was just deteriorating because it was working harder but with less food, it’s a sign that everything was basically just shutting down, I’d completely lost control yet still thought it was just something I had to go through because the ultimate aim is a certain weight or look.
This quote from the recently updated 2023 Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) Consensus statement captures the picture that I see in many amateur and professional cyclists:
An underlying desire to be as lean and light as possible, fearing and restricting food even if health and performance is being compromised.
What is Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs)?
The official definition of REDs describes a syndrome of deleterious health and performance outcomes experienced by male and female athletes exposed to low energy availability - which is - inadequate energy intake in relation to exercise energy expenditure leading to REDS.
In this episode I explain what REDs and low energy availability is, how it affects your cycling performance and health and how you can avoid it.
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Soundcloud or watch on Youtube.
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