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Injuries

Low Energy Availability and RED-S

Is lack of energy slowing you down? You could have Low Energy Availability (LEA) or RED-S. Our specialist team can help diagnose the problem and support you through recovery.

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Revitalising Your Body Back to Optimal Performance

Energy availability' plays a significant role in performance and recovery but, more crucially, in the maintenance of basic body systems. When our body doesn’t have enough energy to function, that’s when problems occur.  At Axis, we provide a coordinated approach to treating LEA and RED-S, bringing together the best medical and dietary advice for you, so you can understand your requirements and how to best manage that.

Guided Nutrition

Understand exactly the nutrition you need to fuel your body and give it the energy to function and perform.

Revitalised Body

Feel better, with enhanced energy, normal bodily functions, and injuries that heal.

Optimal Performance

Over time, you will see improvements in your athletic performance and be better able to tolerate training loads.

Conditions We Treat

Exercise is beneficial not just for overall health; often, it can be more effective than many of the most commonly prescribed medications. Physical activity has proven evidence to support its effectiveness in conditions such as:

Osteoarthritis

Cardiovascular Disease

Cancer

Type 2 Diabetes

Obesity

Osteoporosis

Neurological Disorders

Pulmonary Disease

What is Low Energy Availability (LEA)?

When your nutrition isn’t keeping up with your training, sports or gym visits, your body has to make do with inadequate energy. It does this by downregulating key systems, from reproduction to brain function. This is called low energy availability (LEA). While people can function for many years in this state, beneath the surface, your body isn’t working as well as it could – cells aren’t repaired as quickly, bones become brittle and non-essential systems simply shut down. LEA doesn’t just occur in those considered underweight – it’s the body’s response to a reduction in energy, regardless of the individual’s BMI.

What are the symptoms?

People with LEA may experience one or more of a variety of symptoms, such as:

  • Feeling tired or fatigued
  • Having difficulty concentrating
  • Irregular periods
  • Disappointing sports performance
  • Fractures or recurring injuries


When one or more of these symptoms are significant, it may be diagnosed as relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S).

Personalised treatment and support

Most cases of LEA can be treated by spending time with our Performance Dietitian, Dane Baker.


At our clinic, we help you balance your energy needs and intake with a structured, personalised and science-based nutrition plan. It’s about understanding what fuel your body needs and when for optimum overall health, energy and performance.


Unlike many nutritionists, we take a complete view of your health and performance. Working alongside your medical team, we look at test results, design plans to suit your training schedule, and customise our advice to your needs.


If you have been diagnosed with RED-S, or we suspect you may be suffering from it, you will first be seen by one of our Sport and Exercise Physicians who have expertise in this area.

RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport)

In some cases of LEA where symptoms are significant, you may be diagnosed with RED-S and need more than just nutritional advice. We provide an approach to treating RED-S, that brings together a team of physicians, dietitians and other clinicians to surround you with the expertise and support to get back on top of your health.

What to expect?

  • Initial consultation
    We meet to understand your needs, and what assessments are required to understand your condition.
  • Assessments and planning
    We will generally arrange blood tests and establish a plan that will allow you to remain active and improve your performance.
  • Specialist team
    When a diagnosis of RED-S has been established, subsequent treatment generally involves a team approach and referral to other types of clinicians. A good example of this would be a visit with a registered dietitian.

Frequently Asked Questions

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