Prevalence of relative energy deficiency in sport (red-s) risk amongst amateur and recreational athletes in Singapore

• Main Author: Sim, Alexiaa Hui Xuan
• Other Authors: Swarup Mukherjee
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2018
• Subjects: DRNTU::Science::General
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/75849
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Background: Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) is a syndrome caused by low energy availability (LEA), that impairs physiological and psychological functions. There are no reports on the prevalence of RED-S risk amongst athletes in Singapore. This evidence can identify those at risk, and institute measures for primary prevention of energy deficiency. Purpose of study: This study investigated the prevalence of RED-S risk, within athlete types (amateur, recreational), and between genders. Methods: 318 participants (124 males; 194 females) from Singapore, completed an online questionnaire which included – self-reported height and weight, Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) and Hooper’s Questionnaire, to determine RED-S risk. Results: The prevalence of RED-S risk amongst athletes was 34.3%. The prevalence of REDS risk in female athletes (44.3%) was significantly higher than males (18.5%), while the prevalence of RED-S risk amongst amateur and recreational athletes was not significantly different. RED-S risk was negatively associated with level of competition (international) and BMI, and positively associated with shape and weight concern scores. Conclusion: The moderate-high prevalence of RED-S risk emphasises the need for prevention and early detection of energy deficiency, to preserve health and sport performance