Effects of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) on the Growth and Development of Adolescent Wrestlers: A Clinical Review

Relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) is a result of low energy availability due to an increase in intensity of exercise accompanied with low caloric intake. RED-S has become an increasingly common diagnosis for many athletes, especially athletes who practice weight restrictive measures for competition. This condition is seen in sports such as gymnastics, weightlifting, and wrestling. Research has examined the effects of low energy availability (EA) on the growth of adolescent athletes by examining body composition, serum biomarkers, and athletic performance. The current literature on wrestlers shows that these athletes have hormone resistance, a decrease in free fat mass, and a decrease in performance when experiencing low EA during the competitive season. Little research on the effects of RED-S exists for wrestlers; however, it is hypothesized that there are negative effects on the growth of wrestlers while competing in their season of play.