Evaluación de hábitos alimentarios y composición corporal en futbolistas pertenecientes a un equipo de segunda categoría de la provincia de El Oro.

Abstract

Soccer players participate in a sport that involves strength and physical contact and requires intense training; however, there is a lack of research on intermediate or second-division teams, where training conditions and access to specialized services are limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate the dietary habits and body composition of soccer players belonging to a second-division team in the province of El Oro. The study design was observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional, utilizing a validated food frequency questionnaire and assessing body composition. A sample of 25 male players with a mean age of 22 years was obtained. On the one hand, 44% of the players were in the healthy range for skeletal muscle mass; regarding body fat, 48% had body fat in the healthy range. On the other hand, the main food groups consumed were grains and meats, while the intake of fruits and vegetables was low to moderate; furthermore, fast food and snacks showed a positive correlation with hip circumference, body fat level, and body fat percentage.