Season 3 - Episode 5: RED-S, Energy Deficiency & Nutrition: Protecting Young Athletes’ Health and Performance with Rebecca McConville

In this episode, we dive into one of the most overlooked challenges in youth sports—Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S)—and its impact on health, growth, and performance. Our hosts break down how energy imbalance occurs when young athletes don’t fuel enough to match their training demands, leading to hormonal disruption, fatigue, and reduced performance.Listeners will learn how to recognize early warning signs of low energy availability, why proper fueling and recovery are essential, and how parents and coaches can play a powerful role in preventing RED-S. The discussion also explores the influence of social media and diet culture on young athletes’ eating habits and highlights the importance of personalized nutrition plans tailored to an athlete’s unique needs.Whether you’re a parent, coach, or young athlete yourself, this episode offers practical strategies to support long-term health, optimal performance, and a positive relationship with food.Key Topics: RED-S, energy deficiency, young athletes, performance, eating disorders, nutrition, sports dietetics, health, parents, coaches