Diet, body weight patterns and menstrual status of competitive female body builders

The purpose of the study was to provide descriptive information on nutritional profiles and body weight (BW) patterns of 6 competitive female body builders (x age = 27) before, during and after a competition. Precompetition (-28 to -26 d); (-9 to -7 d), competition (-2 to 0 d) and post competition (+1 to +3 d); (+26 to +28 d) 3-d diet and BW records were recorded. Diet records were analyzed using the Nutripractor 6000 nutrient analysis system. Two weeks precompetition, percent body fat was estimated using skinfold measurements. All subjects completed a 60-item fixed choice and open-ended questionnaire concerning menstrual characteristics, training and dietary practices. A subgroup (n=2) agreed to collect daily urine samples for one month prior and one month after competition. Samples were analyzed for estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4).