Female Athlete Health: Energy, REDs, and Nutrition (Recorded Webinar)

Presented by Barb Hoogenboom

Female Athlete Health: Energy, REDs, and Nutrition (Recorded Webinar)

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Video Runtime: 64 Minutes; Learning Assessment Time: 19 Minutes

This course is one of several recordings from the Female Athlete Health Symposium, a previously hosted live, multi-lecture webinar event. In this session, the primary instructor is introduced by another instructor who also facilitates the Q&A portion. Polling and question submission features are not available for this recording. Format and structure may differ from those of standard Medbridge courses.

This webinar session dives into the critical topic of energy availability and nutrition in athletes, addressing female and male populations. Participants will explore the history and current understanding of the female athlete triad and REDs, learn how low energy availability (LEA) develops and impacts multiple body systems, and gain practical strategies for screening for and addressing nutritional deficiencies. Specifically designed to support physical therapists and athletic trainers, this session offers evidence-based insights to promote athlete health, performance, and long-term well-being.

Learning Objectives
  • Discriminate between the female athlete triad and relative energy deficiency in sport (REDs) and how each relates to the health and wellness of female athletes
  • Link the concept of low energy availability (LEA) to female athlete health and use appropriate tools to screen for it
  • Conclude that REDs affects male athletes as well as female athletes
  • Distinguish the role of nutrition in the maintenance of health and wellness in the female athlete throughout the lifespan

Meet your instructor

Smiling woman with wavy blonde hair, teal blouse, and necklace against a light gray background for medbridge healthcare solutions.

Barb Hoogenboom

Dr. Hoogenboom is a Professor and Associate Chair in the Physical Therapy Program at Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Barb holds a Bachelor Degree from Calvin College (1983), a Master’s Degree from Grand Valley State University (1997), and an EdD from Eastern Michigan University (2006). She has been in…

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Chapters & learning objectives

Historical and Current Understanding: The Female Athlete Triad and REDs

1. Historical and Current Understanding: The Female Athlete Triad and REDs

This chapter explores the evolution of knowledge surrounding the female athlete triad and relative energy deficiency in sport (REDs). It highlights how the understanding of these conditions has progressed over time and examines their relevance in today’s clinical and athletic settings.

Energy Deficiency: What It Is, Why It Happens, and How to Screen for It

2. Energy Deficiency: What It Is, Why It Happens, and How to Screen for It

This chapter introduces the concept of energy deficiency, including how it develops and its definition as low energy availability (LEA). It examines the wide-ranging effects of LEA across multiple body systems, reviews available screening tools, and emphasizes that both male and female athletes can be affected.

The Role of Nutrition in Health and Wellness of the Female Athlete

3. The Role of Nutrition in Health and Wellness of the Female Athlete

This chapter reviews common nutritional deficiencies seen in female athletes and offers practical strategies for proper fueling. It also highlights popular diets and approaches that should be avoided to maintain optimal health and performance.

Question and Answer Session

4. Question and Answer Session

This chapter is a viewer-submitted question and answer session facilitated by Barb Hoogenboom.