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Making sense of my own REDs experience
Disclaimer: Wherever possible, the information and advice offered on this site is based on the leading scientific research to date. Although the aim is to provide support and advice, this resource is no substitute for the diagnosis or treatment from a medical professional. Head here to find them.
I, Pippa, began this Q&A over a decade ago, when I felt like the only one in the world asking these questions. My own journey with REDs was long and challenging, and I spent years searching for answers from the right medical, nutritional, and psychological experts. When I began mentoring a few years later, it hit me that I wasn’t alone after all. People of all ages, genders, abilities, and activities across the globe have been seeking these answers for decades. And while of course I wish they weren't, I’m now grateful to share what I’ve learned.
If you’re here to support an athlete, your presence here is appreciated; being well-informed can make a world of difference. And if you’re navigating with REDs yourself, I hope this Q&A helps you feel less isolated. No matter where you are on this path, many others have walked it too. I was one of them; I overcame it, and I believe you can too.
What is REDs (or REDs)?
Read lessREDs (or RED-S), short for Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport, refers to a condition where there the body doesn't get enough energy to meet the demands of exercise on top of essential daily functions such as growth, respiration, and digestion. Regardless of how this imbalance occurs (see "What causes REDs? below"), it can lead to severe and long-lasting health problems. These can include reduced bone density, impaired reproductive function, suppressed immune system, impaired cognitive function, depression, and anxiety. Athletes, specifically, face a increased risk of injury, prolonged recovery, and a decline in performance.