Female Athlete Triad - Triad Components - Low Energy Availability/disordered Eating

Low Energy Availability/disordered Eating

Energy availability is defined as energy intake minus energy expended. Energy is taken in through food consumption. Our bodies expend energy through normal functioning as well as through exercise. In the case of female athlete triad, low energy availability may be coupled with eating disorders, but not necessarily so. Athletes may experience low energy availability by exercising more without a concomitant change in eating habits, or they may increase their energy expenditure while also eating less. Disordered eating is defined among this situation due to the low caloric intake or low energy availability. The disordered eating that accompanies female athlete triad can range from avoiding certain types of food the athlete thinks are "bad" (such as foods containing fat) to serious eating disorders like anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa.

While most athletes do not meet the criteria to be diagnosed with an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, many will exhibit disordered eating habits. Some examples of disordered eating habits are fasting; binge-eating; purging; and the use of diet-pills, laxatives, diuretics, and enemas. By restricting their diets, athletes worsen the problem of low energy availability.

Having low dietary energy from excessive exercise and/or dietary restrictions leaves too little energy for the body to carry out normal functions such as proceeding through a regular menstrual cycle or conducting bone maintenance.