Avaliação do consumo alimentar e percepção da imagem corporal de culturistas

In bodybuilding, sport that emerged in Brazil in the 70s, competitors are judged by physical appearance, size and muscle definition. The present study aimed to assess dietary intake, supplement use, and it also investigated body image perceptions of bodybuilders. Practitioners of three different gyms in the state of São Paulo participated in the study. They filled the anamnesis form containing data on food consumption and intake of supplements and also answered a questionnaire on the perception of body image (Satisfaction Scale with Body Appearance). The study showed a considerable food inadequacy with an average of carbohydrate intake of 41.84% ± 10.88%, of lipid, an average of 18.96% ± 6.40% and of protein 39.20% ± 10.41%. In pre-competition, the average of daily carbohydrate intake is reduced to 22.69% ± 12.34%, the lipid increases to 25.68% ± 14.0% and the protein increases to 51.63% ± 10.28%. It was observed that all individuals take some sort of supplement. Considering the perception of body image 60% of the appraised are fully satisfied with the muscular appearance and 40% has greater risk of developing vigorexia. As the bodybuilder has rigid dietary control, it is important nutritional monitoring. So it is necessary a better identification and guidance of risk groups for the development of body image disturbances through specialized professionals such as dieticians, psychologists and coaches for success training, aiming at physical and mental well being of the athletes.