Which of the following is NOT a variable in the Female Athlete Triad?

The Female Athlete Triad is a condition that encompasses three interrelated components: low energy availability, disordered eating, and menstrual dysfunction. Each of these variables plays a critical role in the overall health of female athletes, influencing their physical performance and well-being.

Low energy availability refers to a state in which an athlete does not consume enough energy (calories) to support their training and daily needs, leading to a negative energy balance. Disordered eating includes a range of unhealthy eating behaviors that can arise from the pressures to perform, maintain weight, or attain a certain body composition. Menstrual dysfunction often results from the combination of low energy availability and disordered eating, where hormonal changes can disrupt normal menstrual cycles.

High energy availability, on the other hand, does not conform to the risks and issues highlighted by the Female Athlete Triad. It typically reflects a well-balanced diet where energy intake meets or exceeds energy expenditure, promoting healthy physiological functioning, including a normal menstrual cycle. Thus, this variable does not belong to the Triad's framework, making it the correct choice in this context.