Episode 43: Kiera Carter, writer and editor-at-large at Women's Health, on RED-S in running

This episode is the first in a five-episode series, all about Relative Energy Deficiency in Sports (RED-S) and eating disorders. I am excited to start the conversation off with Kiera Carter, writer, editor, and digital strategist, focused primarily on women's issues, health, fitness, nutrition, and beauty. Kiera is currently the editor-at-large at Women's Health and has made many important contributions to the running and fitness community through her work. 

In November, Kiera wrote an article for Runner's World entitled, "RED-S is a Real Problem for Some Runners--Here's What You Need to Know." In this episode, Kiera and I talk all about RED-S--what it is, what it isn't, how it overlaps with eating disorders, why it's so prevalent in the running community, and avenues for change. I hope you enjoy this important conversation and the four, related episodes to come!

*The next issue of Runner's World hits newsstands on December 29th, 2020

Discussed in this episode:

RED-S vs. eating disorders
Why eating disorders are so common among runners
Jesse Thomas and disordered eating in male athletes
Mary Cain's NYTimes op-doc
Wesleyan Cross Country, Yuki Hebner's episode 
20% of athletes are not eating enough
In sports that emphasize leanness, 47% of female athletes have clinically diagnosed eating disorders 
Eating disorders among male cyclists  
Long-term effects of RED-S: bone health, stress fractures, osteoporosis, immune system, digestion,
Kiera’s article in Marie Claire, "Why is Women's Body Hair so Offensive?"

Quote:

"With eating disorders being so common, and disordered eating being so common, it felt like-- why should I be hiding in a corner, ashamed of this thing that our culture perpetuates?”
“You know that feeling when you have a really wonderful run…and you get home and stretch and just feel amazing? In those moments, I'm always like: runners can change the world.”

Follow Kiera:

Website
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The RED-S/eating disorder series is sponsored by FEM Protein Powder. You can follow FEM Protein Powder on Instagram @femproteinpowder 

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