Anthropometric, Body Composition and Nutritional Profiles of Bodybuilders During Training

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the anthropometric, body composition and nutritional profiles of 12 female and nine male bodybuilders during different stages of training. Noncompetitive data were collected six to 17 weeks prior to competition, and competitive data were collected 24 to 48 hours before competition. Percent body fat was determined using hydrostatic weighing. Regional deposition of subcutaneous fat was meaured at six sites with skinfold calipers. Three-day diet record were recorded before each testing period. Differences between noncompetitive and competitive states for women and men were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance with repeated measures Dependent t-tests were used to compare noncompetitive and competitive skinfold for each gender. There was a significant weight loss (p < 0.001) for both male (−5.4 kg) and female (−6.0 kg) bodybuilders, primarily due to reduction in fat weight. The relative fat loss for female bodybuilders (7.3 percent) was larger than that of the male bodybuilders (3.8 percent). The most marked decreases in subcutaneous fat level were at the thigh (women) and abdominal (men) sites. With few exceptions, the nutrient intakes of the bodybuilders were either close to or well above the recommended values. In the competitive state, male bodybuilders consumed relatively larger amounts of carbohydrate and protein, but smaller amounts of fat. Female bodybuilders showed similar patterns for carbohydrate and fat, but their relative intake of protein was less in the competitive state. Our findings may help bodybuilders set realistic weight loss goals and plan nutritionally sound diets to minimize the loss of lean body weight.