Dietary Intake, Body Composition, and Menstruation Changes During Contest Preparation In A Drug-free Figure Competitor

Abstract

Physique competitors are an understudied group judged on muscular appearance and symmetry. This retrospective case study assessed a drug-free amateur female figure competitor over a 20-week contest prep (CP) period. PURPOSE: To describe changes in body mass, body composition, and menstrual cycle during figure CP. METHODS: Body mass and dietary intake were assessed daily and averaged weekly. Body composition was assessed pre-and post-CP via dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and 8 times during CP via 7-site skinfold measurements. RESULTS: Caloric intake before CP was 2010 kcal/d (45% carbohydrate, 24% protein, 31% fat, 48 g fiber). Intake decreased from 1798 kcal/d (42% carbohydrate, 33% protein, 25% fat, 40g fiber) in week 1, to 1541 kcal/d (37% carbohydrate, 39% protein, 24% fat, 24 g fiber) by week 10. At week 20, caloric intake had risen to 1712 kcal/d (44% carbohydrate, 35% protein, 21% fat, 34 g fiber). Body mass decreased from 54.9 to 49.8 kg. Percent body fat (assessed via DXA) decreased from 15.1 to 8.6% and lean mass was maintained at 44.3 kg pre-and post-CP. Total skinfold thickness decreased from 67 to 30 mm. Menstrual cycle irregularity was reported in the first month and the last menses was occurred at week 11. Exercise consisted of a high-volume resistance training program 5 d/wk, brief (10-30 min) high-intensity interval training 1-2 d/wk, and longer (45-120 min) aerobic exercise 1 d/wk, corresponding to an exercise energy expenditure (EEE) of 484, 459, and 440 kcal/d at week 1, 10, and 20, respectively. Energy availability [(kcal intake - EEE)/FFM] was 32.7, 28.2, 23.2, and 27.3 kcal/kg FFM before CP, and at week 1, 10, and 20, respectively. CONCLUSION: Carbohydrate intake fell below the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR) of 45-65% of total caloric intake and protein intake rose above the AMDR of 10-35%. Fiber intake decreased, but remained above the Dietary Reference Intake of 14 g/1,000 kcal. Fat mass decreased and lean mass was maintained during CP. Menstrual cycle dysfunction was reported early and amenorrhea occurred by the end of CP. EA was below ACSM Recommendation of 30 kcal/kg FFM during CP. Given the potential adverse health outcomes of chronic caloric restriction, future, prospective cohort studies on the physiological response to CP are warranted in drug-free, physique competitors.