Relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) describes a syndrome of poor health and declining athletic performance that happens when athletes do not get enough fuel through food to support the energy demands of their daily lives and training. RED-S can and does affect athletes of any gender and ability level. Melissa Lodge, PhD(c) is an elite runner and researcher studying RED-S in endurance athletes, and she joins the show to talk about RED-S and her work!

• What is RED-S?
• The history of RED-S & evolution of understanding
• How RED-S happens
• The effect of teammates/friends/training partners
• The "culture" of endurance running as a risk factor for RED-S
• How much is intentional vs unintentional underfueling?
• Within-day deficits as a contributing risk factor
• Low Carbohydrate Availability as a contributing risk factor
• How many professional athletes have retired from RED-S?
• And more!