Association between eating disorders, macronutrient intake levels, and muscle mass percentage among university martial arts athletes
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17977/um086v4i12026p137-149Keywords:
Branched-chain amino acids, eating disorders, macronutrient intake, martial arts athletes, muscle massAbstract
Background: Combat sport athletes often engage in rapid weight-management practices that may increase the risk of disordered eating and inadequate nutritional intake, potentially affecting muscle mass and athletic performance. However, evidence regarding the relationship between eating disorder risk, macronutrient intake, and muscle mass among university martial arts athletes remains limited. Objective: This study examined the association between eating disorder risk and macronutrient intake with muscle mass among martial arts student club members at Universitas Airlangga. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 60 university students (≥18 years) selected through stratified random sampling from martial arts student activity clubs. Eating disorder risk was assessed using the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26), dietary intake was measured using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, and body composition was evaluated using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA). Training load was assessed using session Rating of Perceived Exertion (sRPE). Pearson correlation analysis was performed to determine associations between variables. Result: One-third of participants (33.3%) were classified as being at risk for eating disorders. Total EAT-26 score was not significantly associated with muscle mass (r = −0.184, p = 0.160). Isoleucine intake showed a significant positive correlation with muscle mass (r = 0.271, p = 0.036). In addition, adequacy percentages of leucine (r = 0.339, p = 0.008), isoleucine (r = 0.367, p = 0.004), and valine (r = 0.342, p = 0.008) were positively associated with muscle mass. No significant associations were found for total energy, carbohydrate, protein, or fat intake. Conclusion: Eating disorder risk was not associated with muscle mass, whereas BCAA adequacy, particularly isoleucine intake, was positively associated with muscle mass among university martial arts athletes.
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