Are females the only athletes at risk for Low Energy Availability (LEA)?

Low Energy Availability (LEA) is a condition that can affect any athlete, regardless of gender, making the statement that females are the only athletes at risk inaccurate. While LEA has been predominantly studied in female athletes, particularly those in sports that emphasize leanness or endurance, males can also experience LEA, especially in certain contexts.

Men can face this risk when they are engaged in intense training regimens combined with insufficient caloric intake. Factors contributing to LEA in male athletes can include body image concerns, societal pressures, and a lack of awareness regarding their nutritional needs.

Moreover, LEA is not limited to one specific type of sport. Both endurance athletes and those participating in team sports can be at risk if they do not consume adequate calories to meet their energy expenditure. This highlights that LEA is a broader issue across various athletic disciplines and is not confined to any specific gender or sport type.

Understanding that LEA can affect all athletes is crucial for effective nutritional planning and prevention strategies across the board, emphasizing the need for awareness and education on proper energy balance in sports nutrition.