The aim of this study was to describe longitudinal changes in body composition, leptin, adiponectin, and ghrelin over a 36-month period in prepubertal rhythmic gymnasts (RG) and their age-matched untrained controls (UC) entering into puberty. Thirty-five RG (8.0 ± 0.6 yrs) and 33 UC (8.2 ± 0.6 yrs) were followed at 12-month intervals for the next 3 years. Height, weight, pubertal stage, body composition, leptin, adiponectin, and ghrelin were measured at each time points. The pubertal development over the next 36 months was slower in the RG compared with UC. Leptin was increased in UC and remained unchanged in RG over 3-year study period (3.7 ± 3.6 vs. 0.2 ± 1.1 ng/ml; p < .05). In RG, baseline leptin was negatively correlated with the change in body fat percentage over a 36-month period (r = -0.34; p < .05). The change in adiponectin over the study period was negatively correlated with the change in BMI (r = -0.43; p < .05). RG had relative leptin deficiency per body fat mass. In conclusion, relatively high leptin concentration at the beginning of puberty may predict those girls who do not increase their body fat percentage through coming years and therefore may have increased risk for delayed puberty.

Background:In fitness the proportional development and toned state of body is evaluated. Fitness athletes monitor balance of macronutrients and calories in their diet, so the usage of low-calorie sweeteners and products sweetened with artificial sweeteners is rising. It is recommended to treat sweeteners with caution. The aim of study was to identify sweeteners consumption habits of 35 Estonian female competing fitness athletes.Methods: A questionnaire was used. Descriptive statistics, t-test, or Exact test where applied for comparison of studied groups (p<0.05).Results: Approximately⅔ of participants consume sweeteners (stevia 73.1% of participants, sucralose 69.2%, aspartame 50%) and sweetened products (bars, BCAAs, puddings, protein powders and flavour drops) on a daily basis and on average 2-3 times per day. Sweetener-users compared to non-users (p=0.015) find sweeteners healthier than sugar; consume as an alternative to table sugar due to their low calorific value (88.5%) and for suppressing sugar craving (80.8%) more during competition period. Although participants are aware of health risks associated with sweeteners, they still believe that they are safe in reasonable amounts. Conclusion:In conclusion, sweeteners are popular alternative among Estonian female fitness athletes.

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