Health Consequences of Eating Disorders in Athletes: Underlying Mechanisms and the Role of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) - A Narrative Review.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2026.71.74782Keywords
eating disorders, athletes, relative energy deficiency in sport, low energy availability, female athlete triad, sports performanceAbstract
Background: Eating disorder is a common mental health condition, where one uses the control of food to cope with overwhelming situations and feelings. Unhealthy habits include eating too little, too much or worrying about the amount of food consumed [1].
Aim: The aim of this study is to discuss the prevalence, manifestations and consequences of eating disorders among athletes.
Methods: A focused literature review was conducted using the PubMed database. The search strategy included the following terms: “eating disorder sport athletes”, “eating disorders”, “disordered eating”, “athletes”, “sports”, “energy availability”, “RED-S”, and “female athlete triad”. Relevant studies concerning the physiological, psychological, and performance-related consequences of eating disorders in athletic populations were analyzed.
Results: The reviewed literature indicates that eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors are particularly common in sports emphasizing leanness, endurance, or aesthetic appearance. Low energy availability and RED-S were associated with menstrual dysfunction, decreased bone mineral density, increased injury risk, impaired recovery, and reduced athletic performance. Psychological consequences included anxiety, depression, body dissatisfaction, and maladaptive personality traits. These factors collectively contribute to impaired athletic performance and disrupted training continuity.
Conclusions: Eating disorders among athletes represent a complex health concern associated with substantial physiological, psychological, and performance-related consequences. Relative energy deficiency appears to be a central underlying mechanism linking many of these effects. Early identification and multidisciplinary management are essential to prevent long-term health complications and performance decline. Future research should focus on standardized assessment methods and improved screening strategies to better address the issue in athletic populations.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Justyna Laskus, Adrianna Kubiak, Małgorzata Witaszczyk, Alicja Sołtan, Natalia Wiktorzak, Julia Lipska, Jagoda Prządka, Dominika Kochan-Olszewska, Longin Rudnicki, Jakub Pawlicki, Gracjan Koźma, Paweł Klimas, Bartosz Gawior, Olga Stasiak, Jan Kabat, Marta Borkowska, Iga Nowicka
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