Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport.

Mary E Caldwell, Carly Watson, Laura Giambra

Journal: Clinics in sports medicine 2026;45(3):555-565

PMID: 42209060

Abstract

Relative energy deficiency in sport, previously known as the female athlete triad, is under-recognized by coaches, physicians, and the medical team. It is a multifactorial clinical syndrome driven by problematic low energy availability (LEA) in the athlete. LEA is the underlying etiology that results in body system dysfunction including physical and psycholgical function as well as an increase in injuries and decline in performance. There are risk assessment tools that can be used to triage and manage the female athlete, and treatment often requires a multidisciplinary approach.

Address: VCU School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].; Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.

DOI: 10.1016/j.csm.2025.09.006

MeSH Terms: Humans, Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport, Female Athlete Triad Syndrome, Female, Energy Metabolism