Mary Cain & RED-S: When Weight Loss Affects Performance
Nov 25, 2019
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Trent Stellingwerff, an exercise physiologist specializing in performance nutrition, and Hilary Stellingwerff, a former elite runner, delve into the pressing issues surrounding Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S). They discuss the intense pressures athletes face regarding body image and weight, emphasizing the detrimental effects on mental and physical health. The conversation covers how unrealistic weight goals can harm performance, stresses the importance of prioritizing long-term athlete health over short-term gains, and calls for better education and support for young athletes.
Mary Cain's experience underlines the dangers of toxic coaching practices that emphasize weight loss over athlete well-being and performance longevity.
The podcast educates listeners on Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S), illustrating its significant health consequences for both male and female athletes.
Cultural pressures surrounding body image in sports emphasize the need for education to promote healthy body standards and practices among young athletes.
Deep dives
The Impact of the Mary Kane Story
The discussion centers on the case of Mary Kane, a promising young athlete who faced severe pressure regarding her weight while training under Alberto Salazar at the Nike Oregon Project. Kane's account highlights the extreme measures athletes may be pushed to, including significant body fat reduction that can lead to serious health consequences. The impact of her story resonated widely, shedding light on toxic coaching practices that prioritize performance over athlete well-being. This case sparked a broader conversation about the normalization of unhealthy body standards in sports.
The Dangers of Low Energy Availability
The phenomenon known as Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) is introduced, illustrating the serious consequences of low energy availability for athletes. This condition occurs when athletes do not consume enough energy to support their training and overall well-being, leading to a range of physiological issues. Symptoms include menstrual dysfunction, low bone density, and various metabolic and psychological problems. The episode emphasizes that both male and female athletes are affected, although the manifestations may differ, and raises awareness on the importance of addressing energy deficits in athletic training.
Coaching and Responsibility
The conversation underscores the critical role of coaches in monitoring their athletes' health, particularly around weight management and training practices. Effective coaching should prioritize the long-term health of athletes over short-term performance gains, avoiding toxic practices like public weigh-ins or unnecessary pressure about body composition. The dialogue stresses the need for coaches to be educated on the effects of low energy availability and to create an environment that champions athlete safety. Ultimately, a responsible approach includes understanding each athlete's unique physiology and providing the necessary support for their health and performance.
Cultural Pressures and Misconceptions
Cultural perceptions surrounding body image in sports are scrutinized, especially regarding the expectations placed on female athletes. Many juniors and developing athletes internalize harmful beliefs that being excessively lean is essential for success, which can lead to dangerous behaviors. Education and awareness are crucial in changing the narrative so that young athletes recognize the importance of maintaining a healthy balance rather than obsessing over body weight. The episode advocates for elite athletes to showcase their normal, healthy selves on social media to counteract unrealistic standards and inspire younger athletes.
Solutions and Future Direction
As the discussion wraps up, the need for preventative measures and solutions to combat RED-S becomes apparent. Athletes, coaches, and healthcare professionals must collaborate to promote healthy practices and establish clear communication regarding energy intake and recovery. The importance of education on recognizing the symptoms of RED-S among athletes is emphasized, along with the idea that if issues arise, timely intervention can significantly improve outcomes. There is a call for greater investment from sponsors and organizations into research and education related to athlete health to ensure sustainable success in sports.
Join Prof. Ross Tucker and host Mike Finch - with guests exercise physiologist and scientist Dr Trent Stellingwerff and former elite runner Hilary Stellingwerff - as we look into the causes, culture and psychology of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) and the controversy surrounding Mary Cain and the Nike Oregon Project. We look into the effects of RED-S on both female and male athletes and why long-term health is always more important than short term gains. Get bonus content on Patreon
