Supporters' role in REDs prevention

If someone you know is struggling with REDs, or you want to play your part in prevention, you're in the right place. Whether you’re a coach, parent, teammate, or friend, your awareness, words, and support can make a huge difference. With early recognition and the right guidance, athletes can recover, build resilience, and enjoy their sport for the long term. Here's how you can help:

1. Spot the early warning signs

The first signs and symptoms of REDs are often subtle. Driven athletes may push through issues without noticing. Keep an eye out for things like:

• Colds or illnesses that take too long to shift

• Ongoing fatigue

• Injuries that recur or don’t heal properly

• Eating or exercise habits becoming rigid or obsessive*

2. Understand the reasons

There are lots of reasons athletes may fall into REDs:

• Deliberate restriction or high training volumes to chase body composition goals

• Simply underestimating how much fuel their training requires

It’s important not to assume or accuse. Try to understand the root cause. Sometimes it looks like one thing on the surface but is really another: cutting out gluten for medical reasons vs. restricting carbs, or “loving the sport” vs. “earning food.” Approach with curiosity, not judgment.

3. Encourage long-term thinking

Help athletes look beyond short-term gains. Encourage realistic, individual goals they can enjoy working toward. Highlight how proper nutrition, rest, and recovery not only support peak performance, but also a lifetime of enjoyment in sport.

4. Promote flexibility, not rigidity

Rigid routines can be a red flag. Encourage balance between training, studies, work, hobbies, and social life. Watch out for signs like training through injury or illness, sticking to exact numbers no matter what, or missing important life events for workouts. Remind athletes: sport should be enjoyable at every level.

5. De-emphasize weight and appearance

Thinner doesn’t equal faster in the long run. Under-fueling harms both health and performance, no matter someone’s weight. Avoid commenting on appearance, weighing athletes, or comparing them to others. Even subtle remarks can stick. Focus instead on qualities that truly drive performance and health.

6. Be mindful of your influence

Athletes respect your opinions — sometimes more than you realize. Messages about weight or body composition, even if well-meaning, can feed into harmful cultural ideals. Shift the focus toward things like strength, endurance, skills, mindset, and resilience. Celebrate growth and progress beyond looks or short-term results. If body composition really does need attention, refer to a qualified sports dietitian.

7. Know where to go for support

If you suspect someone is struggling, knowing where to turn is key. Point athletes toward trusted resources, sports dietitians, psychologists, or sports medicine doctors with experience in REDs. Sharing reliable information is often the first step toward recovery.

* Behaviors like calorie counting, cutting out food groups, or rigid training routines are often normalized in sport, but they increase REDs risk. The same goes for excessive exercise without enough recovery - it can signal compulsion rather than commitment.