Are Athletes Being Pushed Beyond Healthy Limits?
Many athletes are driven to perform at the highest level possible. But in some sports, the pressure to optimize body weight or composition can lead to unintended consequences.
You may notice:
- athletes training intensely but not supporting training with adequate nutrition
- increased focus on body weight or leanness
- frequent injuries or fatigue
- declining performance despite hard work
These concerns are often linked to Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs)—a condition that occurs when athletes do not consume enough energy to support both training and basic bodily functions.
The good news is that awareness around REDs is growing, and new policies are beginning to reflect the importance of athlete health.
A “Monumental Shift” in Sport Policy
In a recent Gear Junkie article, Dr. Riley Nickols was featured discussing new testing protocols for Olympic climbers. These protocols aim to identify athletes who may be compromised as a result of an eating disorder or REDs.
Dr. Nickols described these new rules as a “monumental shift in the right direction,” highlighting how significant it is for a governing body to take proactive steps toward protecting athlete health.
Historically, many sport organizations have lacked clear policies addressing REDs or eating disorders in athletes. This has often left athletes navigating these challenges without adequate support or safeguards.
Why REDs Has Been Overlooked in Sport
Identifying an athlete with REDs is not always easy.
In many sport environments, behaviors associated with REDs can be normalized, such as:
- restricting food intake to improve performance
- training through fatigue or injury
- positive reinforcement for getting in additional training
- focusing heavily on weight or body composition
Because these behaviors are sometimes viewed as discipline or commitment, underlying health concerns may go unnoticed especially when an athlete is performing at a high level.
Dr. Nickols emphasizes that this lack of awareness has contributed to a gap in care, where athletes may not receive support until symptoms become more severe.
The Impact of REDs on Performance and Health
REDs affects far more than just weight or appearance.
When the body does not receive enough energy, it begins to conserve resources, which can lead to:
- decreased performance
- hormonal disruption
- impaired bone health
- increased injury risk
- fatigue and slower recovery
- weakened immune function
- increased mood disturbances
For athletes, this often creates a frustrating cycle—training harder while performance either plateaus or even declines.
Recognizing REDs early is critical to preventing long-term health consequences.
Why This Policy Change Matters
The introduction of REDs-related testing in Olympic climbing represents a broader shift in how sport organizations approach athlete health.
It signals that:
- health and performance are interconnected
- underfueling is not a performance advantage
- athlete well-being must be prioritized
Dr. Nickols highlights that this type of policy can help:
- identify athletes who need support earlier
- reduce stigma around eating disorders in sport
- encourage healthier training environments
This is an important step toward creating a culture where athletes can perform at their best without compromising their health.
Supporting Athletes Moving Forward
While policy changes are important, ongoing education, support, and treatment are equally critical.
Athletes, parents, and coaches should be aware of early signs of REDs, including:
- persistent fatigue
- frequent illness or injury
- changes in eating habits
- declining performance
Working with professionals who specialize in treating athletes, REDs, and eating disorders can help address these concerns early and effectively.
Dr. Nickols regularly collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to support athletes in balancing performance, nutrition, and mental health.
Athlete Health Is the Foundation of Performance
As awareness continues to grow specific to REDs, disordered eating, and eating disorders, athletes will have greater access to the support they need to thrive—both in sport and in life.
If you are concerned about REDs, disordered eating, or mental health in sport, Dr. Nickols provides guidance for athletes, parents, and sport providers navigating these challenges. You can reach out to schedule a consultation to learn more about how to support long-term health and sport performance.