REDs Research Updates & Sport Science w/ Melissa Lodge

In this episode Sport Scientist, Melissa Lodge, helps us explore research gaps in sports science, common misconceptions in sports nutrition, and the impact of low energy availability and REDS (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport) on athletes. The discussion focuses on advocating for inclusive research, the importance of  individualized treatment plans, recent research on low carbohydrate availability, and promoting healthier relationships with food, body, and performance in athletics. Melissa Lodge, MS is a health sciences doctoral student, REDs researcher, and elite runner. Her research focuses on female athlete physiology, particularly under conditions of low energy availability (LEA), such as Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs), and its associated impact on health and performance across the lifespan. Melissa runs an educational platform  @FED_collaborative where she provides translational research on female athlete physiology, LEA, REDs, and eating disorders/disordered eating. She continues to run competitively in track & field and road racing and competed in the 2023 USATF Indoor Championship (1500m).