Screening of Low Energy Availability, Eating Disorders, and Relative Energy Deficiency Syndrome in Sports among Young Competitive Athletes in Germany

Abstract Background Low energy intake (LEA), eating disorders (ED), and relative energy deficiency syndrome in sport (REDs) lead to negative consequences, such as reduced performance and health among competitive athletes (cA). The aim of this study is to implement recommended screening tools by the International Olympic Committee at mandatory annual preparticipation screening (PPS) in Germany. Methods Young cA are screened with the low energy availability in female/male questionnaire (LEAF-Q/LEAM-Q), eating disorder examination questionnaire (EDE-Q), and Relative Energy Deficiency Syndrome in Sport Clinical Assessment Tool Version 2 (REDs CAT2) at PPS. Results In total, 70 cA were examined (14.63 ± 1.62 years; women n = 41) at PPS. LEAF‑Q showed that 16 female cA (39.0%) had reduced energy availability and 2 female cA (4.9%) identified as possible risk for eating disorder by EDE‑Q. A mild risk of REDs was detected for 4 female cA (5.7%) using the REDs CAT2. Moreover, no irregularities were examined for all male cA ( n = 29) in regard to EDE‑Q and REDs CAT2. Conclusion The implementation of specified screening tools for the identification of LEA and ED, as well as REDs, can contribute to the prevention and health promotion among cA. The recommended screening tools LEAF‑Q, EDE‑Q, and REDs CAT2 can be embedded in existing routine examinations for cA, such as PPS, and should therefore be considered as a possible standard examination. However, further indicators based on the REDs CAT2 are required in the PPS in order to be able to make clear statements about REDs.