Under-fueling

Topic

Under-fueling, clinically referred to as low energy availability (LEA), occurs when an individual's dietary energy intake is insufficient to support both daily physiological functions and the energy expended during exercise. This imbalance can be intentional or unintentional and often leads to Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S), a syndrome that impairs metabolic rate, menstrual function, bone health, immunity, and overall athletic performance.