A Cross-Sectional Study on the Diet and Nutritional Status of Recreational Athletes: A Pilot Study

Catovic, A.^1*, Pleho-Kapic, A.², Voljevica, A.³, Suljevic, A.⁴ & Suke, S.⁴

¹Department of Hygiene, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
²Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
³Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
⁴Faculty of Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Dr. Catovic, A., Department of Hygiene, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Keywords: Energy Expenditure; Body Composition; Diet Pattern

Abstract

Introduction
Energy needs depend on several factors such as gender, age, growth, level of physical activity, and body size. When the diet delivers excess of energy the body stores fat. To reduce body fat energy expenditure need to be higher than energy intake. Beside by energy imbalance body composition can be modulate by physical activity during recreational sports participation. This study aimed to assess correlation between nutritional status indicators and dietary pattern in a sample of recreational athletes.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted during March and April 2017 on the area of Sarajevo Canton. The study covered 50 recreational athletes both sexes, different age groups. The study protocol included anthropometric measurements and a food frequency questionnaire. Anthropometric data included height, weight, and waist and hip circumference. The whole-body level of body composition is described by body mass index (BMI) and waist hip ratio (WHR). The FFQ included a list of 16 commonly consumed foods and beverages. Participants estimated usual frequency of consumption by day, week, or month of each food and beverage queried. Statistical analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software (version 13.0).

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