What is REDS (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport)? With sports dietitian and eating disorder specialist Rebecca McConville

SummaryBecca McConville, a sports dietitian and eating disorder specialist, discusses the topic of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) and its impact on athletes. She shares her personal journey and highlights the importance of addressing the underlying causes of RED-S, and explains the clinical markers of RED-S and emphasizes the need for collaboration among healthcare professionals, coaches, and athletes. She discusses the role of dietitians in collegiate athletics and the importance of self-care for dietitians to prevent burnout, while exploring potential solutions. TakeawaysRED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport) is a condition that occurs when an athlete's energy intake is insufficient to meet their energy expenditure, leading to negative health consequences.Clinical markers of RED-S include changes in heart rate, thyroid function, decreased reproductive function, altered lipid profile, as well as decreased bone density and growth in athletes.Educating coaches, athletic trainers, and sports psychologists about RED-S is crucial for early detection and intervention.Collaboration between dietitians, sports psychologists, and other healthcare professionals is essential in providing comprehensive care for athletes with RED-S and eating disorders.Dietitians working in collegiate athletics should prioritize self-care and establish boundaries to prevent burnout.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background03:04 Path to Working with Eating Disorders04:13 Definition of RED-S06:19 Challenges in Recognizing RED-S08:29 Clinical Markers of RED-S11:45 Impact on Lipid Profile13:05 Educating Coaches and Athlete Providers16:36 Educating Athletic Trainers, Sports Psychologists, and Coaches23:18 Collaboration with Sports Psychologists26:10 Ethics of Working with Sports Psychologists29:18 Role of Dietitians in Collegiate Athletics31:48 Taking Care of Dietitians' Mental HealthHow to connect with Becca:https://beccamcconville.com/Instagram: @rebeccaeddietitianBook: Finding Your Sweet Spot: How to Avoid RED-S by Optimizing Your Energy Balance