Research summary · Nutrition and energy
Low energy availability and mental health in university athletes
A systematic review examines how low energy availability and recognised REDs indicators co-occur with mental-health symptoms in university athletes.
- Publication year
- 2026
- First published online
- Publication type
- Systematic review
- Journal
- Journal of Sports Sciences
- Population / context
- University athletes
What the publication reports
Eighteen studies were included: 17 cross-sectional and one prospective cohort. Low energy availability estimates ranged from 41.7% to 100%; disordered eating was the most consistent correlate, while anxiety and depression were examined in only a few studies.
Limits and interpretation
The evidence was overwhelmingly cross-sectional, measures differed and prevalence estimates cannot establish causality. Evidence for anxiety and depression was especially sparse.
Read the source
Consult the original record for the full author list, methods, references, funding and competing-interest disclosures.
Exploring the associations between low energy availability and mental health among university athletes: A systematic literature review
Original publication / indexed recordPMID: 42626975DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2026.2717966Reader discussion
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