Research Interest
Our area of research is the complex regulation of energy balance in exercising individuals and its implications for health and performance. Contrary to the general population, athletes are at an increased risk of becoming energy deificient due to high energy costs of exercise as well as the emphasis of leanness or low body weights in certain sports. Health effects of chronic energy deficiency in these individuals include impaired metabolic, reproductive, and cardiovascular function and poor bone health.
Our research encompasses experiments involving the manipulation of enery balance through diet and exercise as well as cross-sectional aproaches, and my laboratory utilizes a variety of clinical techniques and metabolic and endocrine cues involved in the regulation of energy balance and health.