title: Evaluation of nutritional status and body composition of young Tunisian weightlifters.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  to study the quantitative and qualitative aspects of daily spontaneous nutrition as well as anthropometric characteristics and body composition of young Tunisian weightlifters.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty one boys aged between 14 and 18 years, practicing for two hours a day, six days a week in the four weightlifting clubs in Tunis were invited to attend an evaluation session for a food survey (3 days recall, with consumption frequency over a period of 7 days) and the assessment of anthropometric measurements (Weight, height and skinfolds).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Energy intake was acceptable. However, an imbalance nutrient intake was revealed. Concerning macronutrient, fat and protein were above the recommended allowances (p<0.01). Further, the percentage of saturated fatty acids was significantly above the recommended values while the percentages of polyunsaturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids were restricted. Regarding the micronutrient, the intake of calcium, magnesium and potassium were restrictive (p<0.01). As for the fluid intake, a limited contribution was observed (p<0.01). Several correlations between body composition and dietary intake have been found.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Nutritional education may lead these young weightlifters to adopt appropriate nutritional habits to optimize dietary intake. This fact could be compromising of a more suitable body composition and could have a positive bearing on athletic performance.
authors.forename: Raja
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Serairi Beji
authors.forename: Wided
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Megdiche Ksouri
authors.forename: Ridha
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ben Ali
authors.forename: Oussama
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Saidi
authors.forename: Riadh
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ksouri
authors.forename: Saloua
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Jameleddine
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D056352:Athletes; D001823:Body Composition; D015930:Diet Records; D002149:Energy Intake; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009752:Nutritional Status; D014416:Tunisia; D014891:Weight Lifting