The IOC consensus statement: beyond the Female Athlete Triad--Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S).
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Expert consensus statement without systematic review methodology reported in abstract
PubMed 24620037 · doi:10.1136/bjsports-2014-093502
What was done
An expert panel convened by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) updated the 2005 IOC Consensus Statement on the Female Athlete Triad to provide updated guidance for risk assessment, clinical treatment, and return-to-play decisions.
What was found
The abstract reports no quantitative data or statistical comparisons. The panel introduced the broader concept of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S), noting that relative energy deficiency affects both male and female athletes and impairs metabolic rate, menstrual function, bone health, immunity, protein synthesis, cardiovascular health, psychological state, and athletic performance. The panel also established a three-category Sport Risk Assessment and Return to Play Model.
Why it matters
This consensus statement formally broadened clinical focus from the traditional Female Athlete Triad to RED-S, recognizing that low energy availability causes multisystem physiological and performance impairments across both sexes.
Limits
The paper is an expert consensus statement rather than an empirical study or systematic review. The abstract provides no data on the diagnostic accuracy or clinical outcomes of the proposed risk assessment and return-to-play model.
Cited by
- supports Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) occurs when physical activity exceeds nutritional energy intake, and female athletes—particularly in endurance disciplines—are more prone to underfueling than male athletes.