Avoiding the RED-S Card - Dr. Margo Mountjoy on Energy, Health & Equity in Sport

Today’s episode of The Mettleset Podcast is brought to you by New Balance 👟 This week, we’re joined by Dr. Margo Mountjoy, sports physician, clinical professor at McMaster University, and one of the world’s leading experts on RED‑S - Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport. Recorded live at the Emirates Sports Medicine Conference, Dr. Mountjoy breaks down what RED‑S really means, how it affects both women and men, and why it often hides in plain sight behind fatigue, injury, or performance dips. She explains how low energy availability impacts the body, from bone and reproductive health to mental focus, and why recovery starts with something deceptively simple: eating enough to meet your training load. We also dive into the cultural and psychological layers around food and body image in sport, the importance of educating young and endurance athletes early, and how awareness and individualized care can prevent long-term health consequences. Beyond physiology, Dr. Mountjoy reflects on gender equity in sport, from medical research to leadership, and her hope for a more inclusive, athlete-centered future. A must-listen for athletes, coaches, parents, and anyone who believes high performance and health should go hand in hand. 🎧 Follow Dr. Margo on Instagram: @drmargomountjoy 🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond📸 Instagram: @themettleset💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedIn Credits:Host: Dawn BarnableGuest: Dr.Margo Mountjoy Editor: Diya Vergis Produced by: The Mettleset