Estado nutricional de ginastas amazonenses

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional status and anthropometric profile of gymnasts from the state of Amazonas, identifying possible relationships between body composition, age, and training level. A descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 32 artistic gymnasts from four competitive categories (mirim, pre-infantil, infantil, and juvenil) in Manaus, Brazil. Anthropometric measurements of body weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) were collected, as well as bioimpedance parameters (% body fat and % lean mass). The results showed an expected increase in weight and height with age progression and a predominance of below-normal BMI values (46.9%), indicating a trend toward low body mass typical of aesthetic sports. The mirim and infantil categories presented lower body fat percentages (≈12–16%), whereas the juvenil category showed a higher mean value (25.1 ± 2.9%), possibly influenced by the smaller sample size and maturational stage. It is concluded that the gymnasts’ body composition is consistent with athletes in formative stages, emphasizing the importance of continuous nutritional monitoring and interdisciplinary support to prevent energy imbalance and promote healthy development and athletic performance.