Resources for Athletes Navigating RED-S, Eating Disorders, and Recovery
As a sports dietitian who works closely with athletes of all levels (from recreational to elite) and I often come across organizations doing incredible work to support individuals at the intersection of performance, identity, and recovery. I want to introduce you to three that I deeply respect and recommend following if you care about athlete well-being:
Lane 9 Project
Lane 9 Project is a grassroots initiative founded by female endurance athletes to bring awareness, education, and community around the intersection of eating disorders, Red-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport), and body image. Named after the often-overlooked outermost lane in track and swimming events, Lane 9 was created to serve athletes who feel like they don’t always get seen or supported.
Their mission is to amplify conversations about athlete mental health, create space for vulnerable storytelling, and connect athletes with resources and solidarity. Through storytelling, education, and outreach, Lane 9 Project is building a culture where performance and health can coexist, and where no athlete feels alone in their relationship with food, movement, or their body.
Project RED-S
Project RED-S is a global awareness and advocacy initiative focused on Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S)- a condition that affects athletes when energy intake doesn’t meet the demands of training and daily life. Originally known as the Female Athlete Triad, RED-S recognizes that this imbalance can affect athletes of all genders and impacts more than just bone health or menstruation. It can also disrupt metabolism, immunity, cardiovascular function, mental health, and performance.
The goal of Project RED-S is to educate athletes, coaches, parents, and professionals on the signs, risks, and long-term consequences of under-fueling (intentional or not) and to foster environments where health and sustainable performance are prioritized. Their work includes evidence-based resources, awareness campaigns, and advocacy for safer sport culture, where RED-S is not overlooked or dismissed as just “part of the grind.”
Project HEAL
Project HEAL is a nonprofit that works to break down systemic, financial, and social barriers to eating disorder treatment. Recognizing that access to quality care is often limited by race, income, body size, gender identity, and insurance status, Project HEAL advocates for a more equitable path to healing.
They provide direct support to individuals through treatment grants, insurance navigation assistance, and mentorship programs- making recovery accessible for those who might otherwise be left behind. Project HEAL is also at the forefront of driving policy change and public awareness, working to build a world where everyone, regardless of identity or background, can access the eating disorder care they deserve.
For athletes, whose struggles are often overlooked or minimized, Project HEAL represents the possibility of recovery without shame or restriction because no one should have to prove they’re “sick enough” to deserve help.
If you’re an athlete, coach, or parent navigating the complex world of food, body image, and performance, these organizations are incredible places to start. Lane 9 Project, Project RED-S, and Project HEAL each offer tools, stories, and advocacy that can help you or someone you care about feel less alone and more supported in their journey. I encourage you to explore these resources and share them within your communities. And if you have any questions or want to talk more about how this connects to your own nutrition, training, or recovery, I’m always here. Reach out anytime!