Nutrition and body composition of elite rhythmic gymnasts from Bulgaria
International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 15(1), 108–116 · DOI 10.1177/1747954119892803
Looking beyond appearance when assessing elite gymnasts.
Rhythmic gymnasts often train from a young age and may experience strong pressure to maintain a lean physique. Body mass alone cannot show whether an athlete’s body composition and dietary intake are appropriate for her age, training demands and health.
This study assessed elite Bulgarian rhythmic gymnasts from three national-team levels. The researchers combined anthropometry, skinfold-based body-composition estimates, aerobic-fitness assessment, a food-frequency questionnaire and questions about weight-management practices.
How did the gymnasts’ body composition, reported nutrient intake and weight-management practices compare with age-related norms and published guidance for female gymnasts?
Three national-team groups assessed during preparation.
The observational study examined 21 group competitors during the preparatory period of their competitive season.
The First National Team included five adult Olympic and world medallists, the Second National Team eight senior gymnasts, and the Junior National Team eight younger gymnasts.
Anthropometry and skinfolds
Height, body mass, circumferences and skinfolds were measured. Age-appropriate equations estimated body-fat percentage and skeletal muscle mass, while BMI and relevant percentile scores were calculated.
Food-frequency questionnaire
Reported weekly food consumption was used to estimate energy, protein, fat and carbohydrate intake. Calculated values were compared with published guidance for female gymnasts.
Fitness and weight management
Maximum oxygen uptake was assessed or predicted using age-appropriate exercise testing. A six-question survey recorded pre-competition dieting, nutrient restriction, dehydration methods and information sources.
Group averages concealed important individual concerns.
The sample was lean and highly trained, but several body-composition and reported intake values were below the health-related or sport-nutrition references used in the paper.
Low body-fat values were common
Mean body fat was 13.9% in the First Team, 17.0% in the Second Team and 15.6% in the Junior Team. Sixteen of the 21 gymnasts were below the 17% lower reference discussed by the authors, and four were below 13%.
BMI values were toward the lower end
Mean BMI was 18.5, 18.2 and 15.8 kg/m² across the three teams. Eight of 13 First- and Second-Team gymnasts were below 18.5, while seven of eight juniors were below the 15th BMI-for-age percentile.
Energy intake was lower than calculated need
Reported mean energy intake was lower than the calculated energy requirement in every group. The difference was statistically significant for the Second and Junior teams, and 12 gymnasts reported less than 40 kcal/kg/day.
Protein contribution was comparatively high
Relative protein intake averaged 1.7, 1.7 and 1.9 g/kg/day. Protein supplied 17.4%, 17.6% and 19.4% of reported energy intake. Relative fat intake was below the 1.5 g/kg comparison value in the Second and Junior teams, while carbohydrate intake was around the lower reference across the groups.
Restriction extended beyond competition day
Thirteen gymnasts reported a strict pre-competition diet lasting one to four weeks. Carbohydrates were restricted by 19 gymnasts, fats by 17 and salt by nine; aerobic activity and sauna use were also reported.
Coach-defined “ideal weight” was sample-specific
The equation height in centimetres minus 118 best matched the coaches’ visually determined target weights in this sample. The paper did not validate it as a universal health or performance standard.
Assess the athlete, not only the silhouette.
The authors concluded that coaches should consider health-related body-composition norms alongside appearance and sport-specific criteria. They also recommended attention to individual gymnasts whose reported intake fell below the guidance used in the study.
Individual monitoring matters
Team averages can appear acceptable while individual athletes remain below a reference value. Nutrition and body-composition monitoring should therefore consider age, training demands, reported intake and the individual gymnast’s health context.
What constrains the findings
- The sample was small: 21 gymnasts from one Bulgarian national programme, divided into groups of five, eight and eight.
- Food intake came from a food-frequency questionnaire, so the estimates depend on reporting accuracy; parents completed it for participants under 16.
- Energy needs were calculated rather than measured directly, and different age-appropriate equations and exercise tests were used across groups.
- The coach-defined target weights and the derived height-minus-118 equation were not independently validated.
No diet prescription or universal target
- The study does not support restrictive dieting, dehydration practices or a single ideal weight for all gymnasts.
- It does not diagnose low energy availability or establish effects on menstrual function, bone health or long-term performance.
- Its findings should not replace individual assessment by appropriately qualified health and sports-nutrition professionals.
Read and cite the paper.
Use the DOI for the permanent scholarly record or read the complete article hosted on STK SPORT.
Miteva, S., Yanev, I., Kolimechkov, S., Petrov, L., Mladenov, L., Georgieva, V., & Somlev, P. (2020). Nutrition and body composition of elite rhythmic gymnasts from Bulgaria. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 15(1), 108–116. https://doi.org/10.1177/1747954119892803