212: Is REDS Real? with Sports Dietitian Rebecca McConville

In this episode of the Female Athlete Nutrition podcast, host and sports dietitian Lindsey Elizabeth Cortes engages in an insightful discussion with fellow sports dietitian and eating disorder specialist Rebecca McConville. They delve into the complexities of nutrition and the pressures on female athletes regarding body image and health. Becca shares her expertise on Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S), its symptoms, and how it affects athletes. They also discuss the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to treatment and how providers can better assist their clients. Becca further explains her certification program aimed at educating and empowering other providers in the field. The episode is filled with valuable insights and practical advice for athletes, coaches, and health professionals alike.

01:19 Meet Rebecca McConville: Expert in RED-S

02:38 Understanding RED-S: Personal Experiences

04:18 The Impact of Underfueling on Athletes

06:45 Exploring RED-S in Depth

13:05 Unseen Contributors to RED-S

18:45 Addressing RED-S and Eating Disorders

19:12 Debating the Existence of RED-S

29:49 The Role of Physical Therapists in Nutrition

30:45 Mental Health and Nutrition Connection

31:15 Challenges in the Medical Model

32:01 Athletes and Nutritional Misconceptions

33:10 Knowledge vs. Application in Nutrition

36:56 Social Media's Impact on Athletes

41:49 Training and Educating Providers

47:24 Fun and Personal Insights

50:16 Conclusion and Resources

Resources and Links Mentioned:

Does Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) Syndrome Exist?https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40279-024-02108-y

Rebecca McConville's website: https://beccamcconville.com/

For more information about the show head to:

www.FemaleAthleteNutritionPodcast.com

or email:

info@femaleathletenutritionpodcast.com

To work with Lindsey on improving your nutrition head to:

www.RiseUpNutritionRUN.com

or email:

Lindsey.RiseUpNutrition@gmail.com

As a Sports Dietitian for NCAA, professional, and recreational athletes alike, I know how powerful nutrition can be. I also know how quickly a female athlete can fall into the trap of under fueling which severely limits their health. That’s why I’m sharing my knowledge of female-specific nutrition, training, body image, and mindset to help you fuel your body to perform at your highest level. Whether you are looking for a competitive edge with your nutrition training and mindset, or looking to overcome harmful nutrition habits and body acceptance, you’ve come to the right place!