Level of Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Weight Status among Adolescent Female Gymnasts

A Cross-Sectional Study

Bibliographic Data

ID15716481
AuthorsΙωάννα Κοντελέ (0000-0003-0295-3094, University of West Attica, corresponding author), Maria G Grammatikopoulou (0000-0003-4167-6595, International Hellenic University), Tonia Vassilakou (0000-0002-9993-1897, University of West Attica, corresponding author)
Year2021
Volume8
Issue12
Pages1135-1135
Publication date2021-12-04
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueChildren (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2227-9067 • E-ISSN: 2227-9067
PublisherMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/children8121135
PMID34943331
OpenAlexW4200082294
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited13

Adolescent female gymnasts are a vulnerable population in terms of their diet, as their nutritional needs are higher due to their growth and high daily training demands. The Mediterranean diet (MD) is a well-known dietary pattern that is associated with a greater nutritional adequacy and a lower prevalence of overweight. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the degree of adherence to the MD among adolescent female athletes who participated in all disciplines of gymnastics in Greece, as well as to explore the potential correlations between MD adherence, body weight, and body mass index (BMI). A total of 269 female gymnasts (between 11-18 years old) completed the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index (KIDMED) and reported their weight and height. Approximately 10% of the participants were underweight and a mere 5.6% were classified as overweight. A high adherence to the MD was reported by 34.9% of the sample and this was correlated with a healthier BMI. Moreover, specific eating habits, such as eating nuts 2-3 times per week and eating fast-food less than once-weekly, were also associated with BMI. Athletes, parents, and coaches of gymnastics should be informed and educated regarding balanced nutrition habits. Future studies could evaluate adherence to MD, as well as the factors that influence the eating behaviors of adolescent female and male athletes in various sports

Athletes · Body mass index · Cross-sectional study · Environmental health · Mediterranean diet · Obesity · Overweight · Physical therapy · Population · Underweight · Demography · Medicine · Muscle metabolism and nutrition · Nutritional Studies and Diet · Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet · Gerontology · Internal Medicine

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