Race, illness, injury, repeat - REDs and why men are suffering in silence

British long-distance runner Jake Smith experienced a recurring cycle of racing, illness, and injury without realising he was suffering from Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs), a condition caused by under-fuelling. REDs, commonly associated with female athletes, is increasingly being recognised as affecting male athletes who often suffer in silence. The article highlights how insufficient calorie intake relative to exercise demands can lead to serious health consequences for male endurance athletes.