Abstract Introduction. Regular physical activity increases energy expenditure and requires adequate energy intake to maintain physiological homeostasis. Inadequate energy intake can lead to low energy availability (LEA), which is a key factor in the development of relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S), a syndrome affecting multiple systems in the human body. The aim of this study was to assess the risk of RED-S. The study was conducted among physically active young adults in Poland and involved the identification of dietary and behavioral factors associated with an increased risk of RED-S. Material and methods. A total of 151 participants (72 women, 79 men) aged 22.09 ± 2.2 years completed an online questionnaire assessing dietary habits, hydration, physical activity, and energy intake. Basal metabolic rate was calculated using the Mifflin-St. Jeor equation, and lean body mass was calculated using the James (1976) formula. Total energy expenditure was compared to the intake to estimate energy deficits. Results. Approximately 70% of participants had a negative energy balance, and most consumed four or fewer meals per day. Logistic regression showed that a negative energy balance significantly increased the risk of RED-S in both women (OR = 3.82) and men (OR = 8.50). In men, inadequate hydration and low meal frequency were also significant predictors. Conclusions. The results indicate that physically active young adults, especially men, may be at increased risk of RED-S due to poor eating habits. Better nutrition education and energy balance monitoring are recommended.
Martyniuk et al. (Sun,) studied this question.