Rethinking Energy Availability from Conceptual Models to Applied Practice: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Energy availability (EA), defined as the dietary energy remaining after exercise energy expenditure (EEE), is a central determinant of both health and performance in athletes. Chronic insufficient EA leads to low energy availability (LEA), which is an underlying mechanism of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs). This narrative review critically explores the conceptual evolution of EA and LEA, summarizes current physiological evidence, and discusses methodological and practical challenges in their assessment and application in free-living athletes. Methods: Evidence from experimental and observational studies was reviewed to describe the hormonal, metabolic, and performance outcomes associated with LEA. Screening tools, including the Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire (LEAF-Q) and the Low Energy Availability in Males Questionnaire (LEAM-Q), were also evaluated for their validity and applicability in different sports contexts. Results: LEA is associated with alterations in thyroid and reproductive hormones, which, in turn, contribute to reduced resting metabolic rate, lower bone mineral density, and delayed recovery. While screening questionnaires can help identify athletes at risk, their accuracy varies by sport and individual characteristics. Incorporating hormonal and metabolic biomarkers provides a more direct and sensitive method for detecting physiological stress. Measuring dietary intake, EEE, endocrine balance and body composition in real-world settings remains a major methodological challenge. Combining hormonal, metabolic, and behavioral indicators may improve the identification of athletes experiencing LEA. Conclusions: EA plays a central role in the interaction between nutrition, exercise, and athlete health, but methodological limitations in its assessment may compromise accurate diagnosis. Improving measurement techniques and adopting integrated monitoring strategies are essential to improve early detection, guide individualized nutrition, and prevent RED-related health and performance impairments.