Evidence-Based Management of Energy Insufficiency in Athletes

Course Description

This evidence-based webinar explores the clinical management and systemic impacts of low energy availability (LEA) in active populations, contextualizing how the modern model of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) expands upon the traditional Female Athlete Triad to encompass multi-system physiological impairments across both female and male athletes.

Grounded in the latest consensus guidelines, the session translates scientific research into practical strategies for identifying energy deficits, quantifying availability, and implementing individualized nutritional and training interventions for sustainable recovery.

Attendees will gain actionable, evidence-informed protocols to effectively correct energy mismatches, safeguard metabolic and bone health, and optimize long-term athletic performance.  We will review and compare the recognition, evaluation, as well as return to play criteria for both the female athlete triad and RED-s with a multidisciplinary sports medicine team focus.

Course Objectives

At the end of this course, the participant will be able to:

• Differentiate REDs and the Female Athlete Triad: Articulate the historical evolution from the Female Athlete Triad to Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs), identifying how REDs encompasses broader physiological systems and affects both male and female athletes.
• Recognize Clinical Signs of Low Energy Availability: Identify the multi-system physical, psychological, and performance-related indicators of low energy availability (LEA) in competitive and recreational athletes.
• Apply Evidence-Based Screening and Assessment: Utilize validated screening tools and quantitative assessment methods to calculate energy availability and stratify athlete risk levels.
• Develop Individualized Management Plans: Formulate evidence-informed nutritional and training modification strategies tailored to correct energy deficits while supporting physiological recovery.
• Implement Interprofessional Return-to-Play Protocols: Establish clear, criteria-based protocols for safe return-to-play and ongoing monitoring in collaboration with a multidisciplinary sports medicine team.

• Prerequisites

  None

• Educational Level

  Intermediate

• Other

  Satisfactory completion of this course will require the participant to complete a 10 question post-test with a minimum passing score of 70%.