Scientists from McMaster University in Canada, as part of a research team, conducted a study to determine the link between a dietary calorie deficit and a decrease in health indicators. It turns out that severe or long-term calorie restriction, as well as reduced carbohydrate consumption, lead to the emergence of physical and mental diseases in athletes. In this respect reports MedicalXpress.
The syndrome that occurs as a result of lack of energy in athletes is called RED-S. The term was first introduced by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 2014. This may be a result of deliberately restricting calories and carbohydrates to control weight, or it may be a result of using too much energy during training and competition.
Scientists analyzed previous studies on the role of nutrition as a tool in achieving high athletic performance by excluding data from individuals under the age of 18. In their study, the researchers introduced a grading that allowed them to assess the severity of RED-S: athletes in the “green zone” can train and compete without impairment, the “yellow zone” involves more frequent monitoring of the athlete’s health, and the orange zone involves more frequent monitoring of the athlete’s health. zone — medical interventions and constant monitoring, red — serious medical intervention with possible exclusion from competitions and training.
It turns out that athletes in the “red zone” face hormonal imbalances, brittle bones, decreased iron levels, urinary incontinence, disorders of glucose and fat metabolism in the blood, weakened immunity and heart problems. Constant dieting also harms mental health; athletes become susceptible to depression, insomnia, decreased motivation, anorexia and bulimia. Additionally, reducing carbohydrate intake accelerates the transition to the “red zone”.
Scientists emphasized that unhealthy eating behavior is mostly caused by environmental pressure or the influence of social networks.
existed before named Signs by which you can recognize anorexia in a loved one.