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Iron Culture

Ep. 261 - A Unified Theory of Metabolic Adaptation?

Feb 12, 2024
In this podcast, the hosts discuss the interconnected nature of overtraining syndrome, metabolic adaptation, relative energy deficiency in sport, exercise energy compensation, and body fat regulation. They explore the unsustainability of extreme leanness in bodybuilders and delve into the clinical manifestations of stress fractures in female endurance athletes. The relationship between metabolic adaptation and the female athlete triad is also explored, along with the connection between overtraining syndrome and low energy availability. The importance of finding balance in contest preparation is emphasized, and the hosts express gratitude to the listeners.
01:21:43

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Quick takeaways

  • Low energy availability (LEA) is associated with metabolic adaptation and relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S), which involve symptoms and endocrine disruptions related to insufficient energy intake relative to exercise load.
  • RED-S is a condition characterized by widespread symptoms and endocrine disruptions due to chronic low energy availability, and it goes beyond the female athlete triad, affecting both male and female athletes.

Deep dives

Low energy availability and its impact on the endocrine system

Low energy availability (LEA) refers to insufficient energy intake relative to exercise load. LEA can lead to dysregulation of the menstrual cycle and changes in bone density. It is observed in female endurance athletes and is caused by a drain of energy rather than the stress of exercise. LEA is associated with metabolic adaptation and relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S), which involve various symptoms and endocrine disruptions. These conditions are influenced by the amount of body fat loss, current body fat levels, and the presence of low energy availability. Understanding these connections can help prevent and manage the negative effects of LEA and RED-S.

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