The Nick Bare Podcast 141: The Complexities of RED-S in Athletes | Dr. Kyle Gillett
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Sep 29, 2025 Dr. Kyle Gillett, a physician specializing in sports performance and functional medicine, joins to tackle the pressing issue of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S). They explore how RED-S impacts athlete performance and health, alongside hormonal factors and cortisol's role. The discussion extends to the ramifications of social media on health perceptions, the promising effects of red light therapy, and intriguing links between high-mileage running and colon cancer risk. Gillett also offers practical recovery strategies and insights on nutrition for optimal performance.
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RED-S Is A Broad Spectrum Condition
- RED-S is a spectrum condition affecting multiple systems, not diagnosable by a single lab test.
- It includes but is broader than the female athlete triad and can affect both sexes.
Don’t Cut Calories During Peak Training
- Avoid deep caloric deficits during your hardest training phase to protect performance.
- Prioritize fueling when performance is the primary goal rather than pursuing aggressive fat loss.
Genetics Strongly Modify RED-S Risk
- Genetic and hormonal factors shape RED-S risk and individual responses to training.
- Some people naturally tolerate heavier training or higher appetite due to inherited genes.