Final answer:
Gradual, healthy weight gain to restore energy balance should be encouraged for female athletes with the triad.
Step-by-step explanation:
For female athletes with the triad, the recommended approach is gradual, healthy weight gain to restore energy balance. This is because the triad is a condition characterized by disordered eating, amenorrhea (absence of menstrual periods), and osteoporosis. The primary goal in managing the triad is to restore energy availability and achieve a healthy body weight, which can be done through a gradual and controlled weight gain process. Rapid weight gain or significant weight loss would not be beneficial in addressing the underlying causes of the triad.