Vol. 3, Issue 1, Part B (2017)

Abstract
This study was done to assess differences (if any) in the dietary habits and nutritional profile of wrestlers staying in Akhadas and other camps. A total of forty male wrestlers (n=40); twenty staying in Akhadas (n=20) and twenty from a CRPF camp (n=20) were chosen for the purpose of this study. An oral questionnaire was formulated to collect general information, dietary information and morbidity profile. Dietary record method for three days was used to gather information about dietary and nutritional intake. Anthropometric measurements included height, weight, chest circumference and waist and hip circumference. BMI and WHR were calculated. Mean age of wrestlers staying in Akhada was 20.3 + 2.21 years while those staying in CRPF camp had mean age of 25.6+ 2.60 years. None of them was reported to be on weight-reducing diet at the time of the study. Majority of the wrestlers in both groups were spending 4-6 hours in training per day. The mean weight of respondents from Akhada was 76+13 kg while respondents from CRPF camp were little lighter at 73.6+ 14.26 kg. For Akhada group, BMI was 26.65+4.25 kg/m² and for CRPF camp mean BMI was 25.08+3.20 kg/m²; according to Garrow’s classification it would be categorized as overweight for both the groups. Five wrestlers in Akhada group and eight in CRPF camp had BMI above 25. Waist circumference and WHR for both the groups were falling in healthy values. The nutritional intake analysis of the wrestlers revealed mean energy intake of 7501 Kcal in Akhada group wrestlers while 7782 Kcal in CRPF camp group. The energy intake of wrestlers of both the groups was much higher than the recommended. Further, percentage contribution of carbohydrate, protein and fat in energy indicated higher energy coming from fat sources, however, the fat en% of Akhada group was much higher (43%) than the CRPF group (36%). Thus, the study clearly showed that wrestlers staying in Akhadas as well as CRPF camp were taking diet required some alterations in the fat component of their diet.