Eating enough is crucial for women to avoid low energy availability and to prevent chronic under-eating from hindering physical and muscular progress.

noli's read

Abbey Sharp's warning against low energy availability (LEA) is particularly sound and perfectly aligned with modern sports science. According to the 2023 consensus statement from the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which represents the most robust expert opinion in the field, a chronic lack of energy disrupts numerous recovery and performance functions. This consensus highlights that this phenomenon of energy deficiency affects both elite athletes and recreational fitness enthusiasts alike. Furthermore, a 2024 meta-analysis led by Valerie Gerriets' team on more than 6,000 athletes confirms that LEA directly diminishes the muscular response to training, strength, and protein synthesis. This strong evidence demonstrates that eating too little eventually sabotages physical progress rather than optimizing it. Abbey Sharp's approach is therefore scientifically irreproachable and offers a compassionate alternative to overly restrictive diets.

the sources

No named source held this one up — that absence is part of the verdict.