Determination of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Ergogenic Support Usage Status in Fitness Athletes

Introduction: This study aims to determine the nutrition, physical activity, and ergogenic support usage status of male athletes, who are interested in fitness, and to evaluate the effects of the ergogenic support usage on body composition.

Methods: A total of 40 volunteers between the ages of 18 and 35 years, who do fitness in a sports center located in the Söğüt District of Bilecik Province, participated in the study. The data were collected by face-to-face survey method and analyzed using the SPSS 26 program.

Results: Among the participants, 45% were using ergogenic support products. The most commonly used ergogen-ic supplements were creatine and protein powder. It was observed that the participants started to use ergogenic support products in line with the recommendations they received from the media and books to improve sports performance and muscle ratio. The ergogenic support usage status of the athletes was compared with their body measurements and composition values, and it was determined that there was no statistically significant difference (p>0.05). The mean amount of energy, carbohydrate, protein, and fat obtained on the day of exercise is higher than on the day without exercise. A statistically significant difference was observed between the averages of energy and macronutrients consumed per day with and without exercise (p>0.05).

Discussion and Conclusion: Ergogenic supplements should be used as a supportive element of the training and nutrition program in accordance with the advice of professionals.

Keywords: Ergogenic aid; Fitness; Nutrition