The IOC consensus statement: beyond the Female Athlete Triad--Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S).

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Endocrinology
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• The 2005 IOC Consensus Statement on the Female Athlete Triad has been updated to address a broader spectrum of athlete health issues.
• A new term, Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S), is introduced to encompass a wider range of physiological impairments affecting both male and female athletes.
• RED-S acknowledges that the condition is more complex than the original 'triad' and impacts multiple bodily systems.

Framework:

• RED-S is defined as impaired physiological function resulting from insufficient energy availability relative to energy expenditure.
• Key affected physiological functions include metabolic rate, bone health, menstrual function, immunity, protein synthesis, and cardiovascular health.
• Psychological consequences can be both a precursor and a result of RED-S.

Implementation:

• The updated Consensus Statement provides comprehensive guidelines for risk assessment, treatment, and return-to-play decisions for athletes with RED-S.
• Practical clinical models are recommended for managing affected athletes.
• The 'Sport Risk Assessment and Return to Play Model' categorizes RED-S into three groups to inform clinical recommendations.

Implications:

• This updated framework provides a more holistic understanding of energy deficiency in athletes, moving beyond the 'Female Athlete Triad'.
• The guidelines aim to improve the health, well-being, and performance of athletes by addressing the multifaceted nature of RED-S.
• Enhanced clinical protocols are expected to lead to better diagnosis and management of RED-S in sports medicine settings.