Are low energy and overtraining the same problem?
The Commonality of Overtraining Syndrome and Relative Energy Deficit Syndrome in Sports (REDs). Literature Review
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Some athletes get too tired from training too much, but sometimes it's because they don’t eat enough. This study looks at whether not eating enough (called REDs) is just one type of overtraining or a separate issue.
Surprising Findings
Overtraining syndrome can occur even when energy and protein intake are sufficient.
Most athletes and coaches assume low energy intake is the primary driver of overtraining, but this study explicitly states OTS can develop independently of fueling issues.
Practical Takeaways
Athletes experiencing burnout should consider multiple causes beyond nutrition, including nervous system fatigue and inflammation.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Some athletes get too tired from training too much, but sometimes it's because they don’t eat enough. This study looks at whether not eating enough (called REDs) is just one type of overtraining or a separate issue.
Surprising Findings
Overtraining syndrome can occur even when energy and protein intake are sufficient.
Most athletes and coaches assume low energy intake is the primary driver of overtraining, but this study explicitly states OTS can develop independently of fueling issues.
Practical Takeaways
Athletes experiencing burnout should consider multiple causes beyond nutrition, including nervous system fatigue and inflammation.
Publication
Journal
Human Physiology
Year
2024
Authors
E. A. Gavrilova, O. A. Churganov, O. Pavlova, E. V. Bryntseva, A. V. Rasskazova, M. V. Gorkin, A. K. Sarkisov, A. B. Didora, V. I. Shitova
Related Content
Claims (3)
Overtraining in athletes might actually show up as low energy from sports, meaning that 'low energy' could just be one way overtraining looks, not a totally different problem.
Low energy levels in athletes might help explain why some get overtraining syndrome, but it's not the only reason — other factors like brain fatigue and body inflammation could also play a role.
Not eating enough calories can make you feel like you're overtraining, but you can still overtrain even if you're eating enough food and protein.