Management and Treatment of REDs

Once REDs is identified in an athlete, a holistic athlete-centred approach should be taken, ensuring a multidisciplinary support team is in place. Typical multi-disciplinary personnel include a medical practitioner, e.g. doctor, a registered dietitian or performance nutritionist, a psychologist or mental health professional, a coaching team and potential family involvement (if working with younger athletes) to name a few. Across a typical management plan, considerations may include (but are not exclusive to):

• Nutrition review and intervention.
• Psychological support (in the case of intentional energy restriction potentially related to disordered eating or an eating disorder).
• Medical monitoring and review (including hormonal profiling, menstrual function, blood profiling and DEXA scanning)- subject to what is deemed appropriate by medical practitioner.
• Potential training modifications and return to play guidelines if required.
• Review and follow up plan.

Coaching tips:

• Not every athletic environment has an extensive multidisciplinary support team in place. Remember it is not your sole responsibility to support a player through REDs, and always remember your scope of practice.
• Reach out to a medical practitioner if REDs is suspected in your team, as a medical sports doctor can effectively diagnose and lead the treatment plan.It is not on you to deal with this on your own.