Energy Deficiency and Its Effect on College Runners’ Performance

Recent research from Pennsylvania State University highlights the significant impact of chronic energy deficiency on the performance of female collegiate endurance runners. The study tracked athletes over a 10-12 week cross country season, revealing that insufficient caloric intake during the preseason adversely affected race times and training outcomes. Specifically, athletes with lower energy intake demonstrated slower race results compared to their counterparts who maintained adequate nutrition.

The research employed objective laboratory measurements such as resting metabolic rate (RMR) ratios and circulating thyroid hormone (TT3) levels to assess energy status. They found that runners with RMR less than 92% of predicted values—indicating metabolic suppression—experienced a decrease in running speed and overall performance. TT3, an essential hormone influencing metabolism, provided additional insight into the athlete’s energy balance.

This study underscores the importance of proper nutrition reporting for endurance athletes. Energy deficiency can cause fatigue, increase injury risk, and impair recovery, and in women, it can lead to menstrual irregularities and weakened bones, a condition known as the female athlete triad. Interestingly, the research suggests that motivation related to performance might be a stronger driver for athletes to maintain adequate energy levels than concerns over long-term health.

Importantly, the findings indicate that energy status is reversible. Athletes can improve their performance by increasing caloric intake to restore energy balance, which can also enhance recovery and long-term health. For coaches, incorporating laboratory-validated measures like RMR ratio and TT3 into routine assessments could be instrumental in early detection of energy deficiencies.

Nutrition education from coaches plays a vital role. Encouraging athletes to consume enough calories, especially during periods of intense training, along with proper post-exercise refueling, can prevent energy deficits. Use of fueling stations during training sessions can also promote healthy eating habits.

Future research aims to simplify these measurements so they can be more accessible for coaches and athletes alike, helping to optimize athletic performance and health outcomes.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-energy-deficiency-impacts-collegiate.html