Eatright

FEMALE ATHLETE TRIAD
The female athlete triad is a medical condition observed in physically active females involving three components:
1) low energy availability with or without disordered eating
2) menstrual dysfunction
3) low bone density.
In the healthy athlete, an optimal balance between energy availability, bone health, and menstrual function exists. Optimal energy availabil-ity results when dietary energy intake minus exercise energy expenditure leaves adequate energy for remaining body functions. Low energy availability is associated with hypothalamic dysfunction and, subsequently, will negatively affect menstrual function and bone health. These components are interrelated.

Consequences of these clinical conditions may not be reversible, so prevention, early diagnosis, and intervention are critical.
The athletes who engage in sports in which a low body weight and lean physique are desired (eg, dancers, gymnasts, and runners) are at the greatest risk of female athlete triad. The International Olympic Committee proposed changing the name from female athlete triad to Relative Energy Deficiency in Sports (RED-S) because of the complex interrelations of these components and in view of the fact that male athletes also may be affected .

Eating a morning meal is a healthy habit. Research shows that regular breakfast eaters tend to be leaner and dieters are more successful at losing weight—and keeping it off—when they eat breakfast.