Understanding REDs (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport)

The hidden cost of under-fuelling

Most athletes aren't underperforming because they're not training hard enough.

They're underperforming because they're not fuelling enough.

When energy intake doesn't match training demand, the body starts conserving energy for essential functions. Over time, this can lead to fatigue, slower recovery, reduced training adaptations, poor concentration, hormonal disruption, increased injury risk, and declining performance.

This is known as Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) — a condition caused by low energy availability. Despite common misconceptions, REDs can affect athletes of any age, gender, sport, or level.

Join RED-Scue founder Florence alongside leading REDs experts Dr Nicky Keay and Renee McGregor for an evidence-based discussion on under-fuelling, performance, recovery, and long-term health.

What You'll Learn

• What REDs is and why it's often overlooked

• How low energy availability affects performance, recovery, hormones, bone health, fertility, and immune function

• Common signs of under-fuelling, including fatigue, recurrent injuries, poor recovery, low mood, and loss of menstrual function

• Why REDs isn't just an elite athlete issue

• Practical strategies to fuel appropriately for training, competition, and everyday life

Webinar Chapters

0:00 – Understanding REDs and Low Energy Availability
8:01 – Eating Habits & Health Impacts
14:11 – Balancing Energy, Recovery & Performance
20:21 – REDs in Athletes and Non-Athletes
29:01 – REDs Across All Genders
35:38 – Gut Issues & Common Misdiagnoses
44:29 – Fertility, Hormones & Reproductive Health
52:01 – Preventing REDs and Restoring Energy Availability
1:01:33 – Everyone Has a Role to Play
1:16:13 – Conclusion & Resources

Why This Matters

Many athletes spend months or years trying to fix symptoms with more training, more supplements, or more discipline—when the real issue is inadequate fuelling.

At RED-Scue, we're on a mission to raise awareness of REDs and help athletes understand the importance of carbohydrate-first nutrition, energy availability, and recovery.

Because performance isn't built through restriction.

It's built through fuelling.

Who It's For

• Athletes of all levels

• Coaches and trainers

• Healthcare professionals

• Students and researchers

• Parents and caregivers

• Anyone wanting to better understand REDs, under-fuelling, and performance nutrition