REBECCA MCCONVILLE -Understanding REDs in Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Perimenopause
Description
In this episode, I sit down with Rebecca McConville, a registered dietitian, board-certified sports specialist and IAEDP-approved eating disorder supervisor.
Rebecca is an internationally recognized expert on Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs), author of Finding Your Sweet Spot: How to Avoid REDs, and creator of the first-of-its-kind REDs-Informed Provider Certification Program and masterclass for clinicians.
With the academic version of her book, REDsolution, set to release in 2026, Rebecca continues to bridge the gap between research and real-world application.
We talk about how REDs presents across different life stages—from pregnancy to postpartum to perimenopause—and the complex interplay between hormones, nutrition, and performance. Rebecca shares insight on recognizing symptoms early, removing the stigma around REDs, and the importance of supporting athletes with compassion, context, and collaboration.
We talk about:
-REDs in different stages of life
-removing the stigma of REDs
-common symptoms
-considering body image
-fueling for exercise
Time Stamps
1:00 Introduction
4:22 navigating eating as a college athlete
7:57 having more open conversation
9:00 varied symptoms of REDs
13:20 understanding a client’s narrative
16:23 using wearables to get answers
22:45 where things go wrong
26:45 hormones, birth control, and heart health
32:20 getting help from a dietician
41:20 fertility related issues
43:38 being an advocate as a provider
51:17 rapid fire questions
CONNECT WITH CARRIE
IG: https://www.instagram.com/carriepagliano/
Website: https://carriepagliano.com
CONNECT WITH REBECCA:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/rebeccaeddietitian/
Website: www.beccamcconville.com
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