Male Athletes Speak Out on Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport

Long-distance runner Jake Smith and former Olympic champion Jonny Brownlee have spoken out about their experiences with relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S), a condition that affects both male and female athletes.

RED-S occurs when an athlete does not consume enough energy to meet their training demands, leading to a range of physical and psychological health issues. While often associated with female athletes, the condition can have significant impacts on men as well.

Smith described his experience as "devastating," highlighting the multifaceted nature of the condition's impact beyond just physical performance. Brownlee also shared his personal struggles, emphasizing the importance of awareness and support for athletes dealing with RED-S. The discussion aims to shed light on the lesser-discussed male aspect of RED-S, encouraging a more comprehensive understanding of sports-related health issues.