Prevalence of low energy availability and burnout syndrome in female athletes

BACKGROUND: Optimal athletic performance requires balancing training with adequate recovery and energy intake. Failure to do this can result in low energy availability (LEA). This study investigated the prevalence of LEA and burnout syndrome in an athletic population and explored potential relationships between these conditions. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, online surveys including two validated questionnaires (LEAF-Q and ABQ) and questions relating to LEA risk factors were distributed via email and social media. 139 females (39 ± 13 years, 1.67 ± 0.11 m, 68.0 ± 17.8 kg, 24.4 ± 6.4 BMI) completed the survey. Participants were categorised as either at risk or not at risk of LEA based on their LEAF-Q scores. RESULTS: 89 female athletes (64%) were categorised as at risk of LEA. There was no significant relationship between LEAF-Q and ABQ scores, nor significant difference between athletes categorised as at risk and not at risk of LEA in sleep, dietary habits, perceived pressure to perform, and training history. CONCLUSIONS: Risk of LEA was widespread in this heterogeneous female athletic population. There were no relationships between LEA and burnout, suggesting that despite overlapping symptoms, pathways are independent, or these questionnaires measure different parameters. Understanding the distinction between burnout and LEA is critical, and properly diagnosing the specific condition is key to effective management. This will ensure that interventions are appropriately tailored to address the correct issues, thereby optimising recovery and performance.