Abstract:
Introduction: Bodybuilders around Polokwane municipality are adhering to different
dietary practices some of which are not evidence based. These practices may
predispose these athletes to negative health outcomes sooner or later in life. The
aim of this study was to investigate the anthropometric status and dietary intake of
bodybuilders around Polokwane Municipality.
Methodology: This was a descriptive analytical study where purposive sampling
method was used to obtain 51 out of 65 registered bodybuilders within the training
gyms around Polokwane. Weight and Height were measured to determine BMI. Four
skinfold sites (triceps, biceps, subscapular and suprailliac) were measured using
caliper and non-stretchable tape to estimate total body fat percentage. Dietary
information was collected using the 24 hour-recall collected for three different days
which was validated by the Food Frequency Questionnaire.
Results: of the 51 body builders, 94.1% were men and 5.8% women. Few athletes
(15.7%) were using ergogenic agents such as powders (13.7%) and tablets (2%).
Also, 64.7% of the athletes had normal body weight while 33.3% and 2.0% were
overweight and obese respectively. Majority of the athletes (78.4%) had an
acceptable body fat percentage. Dietary results showed that majority of the athletes
consumed energy (98%) and carbohydrates (100%) below the ISSN bodybuilding
recommendations.
Conclusion: The dietary intake of the bodybuilding athletes around Polokwane
municipality is below the ISSN (2010) bodybuilding recommendations; however, their
anthropometric status and body composition is normal.
