Preseason in rugby union is a period of intensive training where players undergo conditioning to prepare for the competitive season. In some cases, this includes modifying body composition through weight gain or fat loss. This study aimed to describe the macronutrient intakes of professional rugby union players during pre-season training. It was hypothesized that players required to gain weight would have a higher energy, carbohydrate and protein intake compared to those needing to lose weight. Twenty-three professional rugby players completed 3 days of dietary assessment and their sum of eight skinfolds were assessed. Players were divided into three groups by the team coaches and medical staff: weight gain, weight maintain and weight loss. Mean energy intakes were 3,875 ± 907 kcal·d−1 (15,965 ± 3,737 kJ·d−1) (weight gain 4,532 ± 804 kcal·d−1; weight maintain 3,825 ± 803 kcal·d−1; weight loss 3,066 ± 407 kcal·d−1) and carbohydrate intakes were 3.7 ± 1.2 g·kg−1·d−1 (weight gain 4.8 ± 0.9 g.kg−1·d−1; weight maintain 2.8 ± 0.7 g·kg−1·d−1; weight loss 2. 6 ± 0.7 g·kg−1·d−1). The energy and carbohydrate intakes are similar to published intakes among rugby union players. There were significant differences in energy intake and the percent of energy from protein between the weight gain and the weight loss group.
SummaryObjectivesAlthough monitoring is considered a key component of effective behaviour change, the development of apps has allowed consumers to constantly evaluate their own diet, with little examination of what this might mean for eating behaviour. The aim of this study was to investigate whether self‐monitoring of diet using the app MyFitnessPal or daily self‐weighing increases the reported occurrence of eating disorders in adults with overweight/obesity following a weight loss programme.MethodsTwo hundred fifty adults with body mass index ≥ 27 kg/m2 received diet and exercise advice and were randomized to one of four monitoring strategies (daily self‐weighing, MyFitnessPal, brief monthly consults or self‐monitoring hunger) or control for 12 months. The Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire 6.0 was used to assess eating disorder symptoms and behaviours for the previous 28 d at 0 and 12 months.ResultsThere were no significant differences in the global Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire score or the subscales between those in the four monitoring groups and the control at 12 months (all p ≥ 0.164), nor were there differences in binge eating, self‐induced vomiting, laxative misuse or excessive exercise at 12 months (p ≥ 0.202). The overall prevalence of one or more episodes of binge eating was 53.6% at baseline and 50.6% at 12 months, with no change over time (p = 0.662).ConclusionsThere was no evidence that self‐monitoring, including using diet apps like MyFitnessPal or daily self‐weighing, increases the reported occurrence of eating disorder behaviours in adults with overweight/obesity who are trying to lose weight.
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