intensive training is considered an essential part of sports success. But what happens when the organism spends more energy than it takes through food?
The International Olympic Committee, IOC, has attracted attention to a situation known as Relative Energy Deficency in Sports, or REDs.
This situation occurs when available energy is not enough to support physical activity and normal body functions simultaneously.
According to the IOC scientific document published in the British Journal of Medicine, the problem can affect both women and men.
The consequences may include hormonal disorders, bone health weakenings, immune problems, and reduced sports performance.
One disturbing element is that the athlete does not always see the problem immediately.
Continued fatigue, slow recovery, repeated injuries, and performance changes can be signals that require professional evaluation.
Experts stress that the problem does not necessarily relate to a eating disorder.
It can be shown even when a athlete simply does not consume enough food for the intensity of his activity.
The IOC recommends that the assessment of the alleged situations be made by sports medicine and nutrition professionals.
The message is especially important for athletes who try to lower weight by simultaneously increasing the intensity of training.
In sports, more training does not always mean better results. The organism also needs enough energy to recover.
