Assessment of energy availability in exercising adults

Aim of this study is to determine the risk faktors for low energy availability in exercising men and women. A total of 30 women and 30 men who have been exercising regularly for at least 1 year participated in this study. Age range of the participants were 18-39 years. Body composition were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Energy intake, energy expenditure, energy availabilty and energy deficiency levels were determined based on the data obtained by food intake and physical activity records for four days, including two days of intense exercise, one day of light exercise and a rest day. In addition; EAT-40 survey was applied to determine eating behaviors of participants. T test for Independent Samples was used to compare the gender differences. Repeated measures ANOVA test was used to compare intense exercise, light exercise and rest days. Age, anthropometric measurements and body composition of men and women were similar. Energy availability values for women were 35,08 ± 13,36, 33,32 ± 12,36 and 34,50 ± 11,08 kcal/kg fat free mass (FFM) on intense exercise, light exercise and rest days, respectively (p>0.05). Energy availability values for men were 32,25 ± 7,66, 33,17 ± 8,47 and 33,25 ± 6,71 kcal/kg FFM on intense exercise, light exercise and rest days, respectively (p>0.05). The energy balance was -623,00 ± 569,68 kcal for women and -620,62 ± 464,56 kcal for men, so both the men and the women had a negative energy balance. While the participants' protein intake was adequate, their carbohydrate intake was below recommendations. Seven participants were found to be at risk of an eating disorder, as their EAT-40 survey score was ≥ 30. The results of the study show that women and men who exercise regularly have decreased energy availability and a negative energy balance. There is a need for better planning of diets with regular exercise to maintain health and prevent injuries and nutritional deficiencies