Beyond Performance: Screening for Female Athlete Triad and RED-S Risk

are relevant risks in young female athletes in aesthetic sports, where training loads, body image pressure and inadequate dietary intake may affect health and performance. Purpose of the work: This study assessed the risk of low energy availability (LEA) in different age groups through anthropometric, sports-related, and nutritional data. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 71 female athletes from sports centres in Palermo, Italy. Participants were divided into teen group (TG), composed of 34 athletes (17.1 ± 3.3 years) who primarily practiced ballet and youth group (YG), composed of 37 athletes (12.1 ± 2.6 years) who primarily practiced rhythmic gymnastics. After informed consent, athletes completed anonymous questionnaires assessing LEA risk, including the Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire (LEAF-Q) and the Disordered Eating Screen for Athletes (DESA-6). Dietary habits were assessed using Food Frequency Questionnaires and the 24-Hour Food Recall. Results: In TG, 29.4% were underweight and trained >5 times/week, 76.5% reported pain or overuse injuries, 26.5% amenorrhea ≥3 months, and 32.4% training-related menstrual changes. LEAF-Q identified 41% at LEA risk, while DESA-6 showed high concern about weight gain (73.5%) and body weight dissatisfaction (64.7%). Dietary data indicated insufficient energy intake and a limited dietary variety. In YG, 56.76% trained 3-4 times/week, and 45.95% reported overuse-related pain, while menstrual alterations were less frequent. DESA-6 results showed lower body weight concerns and no significant adherence to structured diets was observed. Conclusions or significance of the research: Nutritional education and regular monitoring may help prevent Triad RED-S and support health and performance. These findings the need for early multidisciplinary screening in aesthetic sports.