Anthropometric profile and dietary intake of amateurs and professional mixed martial arts athletes

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18002/rama.v19i1.2411

Keywords:

Martial arts, combat sports, MMA, sports nutrition, diet, energy expenditure

Agencies:

The authors received no funding for this work.

Abstract

Nutritional habits and anthropometric profiles are directly linked to competitive performance; however, there is a great lack of information on amateur or professional mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes outside the competitive period. The aim of this study was to compare food consumption and anthropometric profile of amateur and professional MMA fighters. The sample was composed of 24 male MMA athletes, middleweight category (age: 27.5 ± 5.0 years; body mass: 79.0 ± 12.1 kg; height: 173.5 ± 0.1 cm; %BF: 19.5 ± 4.0 %, BMI: 26.0 ± 2.8 kg/m2). Food consumption was evaluated based on three 24-hour food diaries using the Multi-Step method in a non-competitive period and analyzed using the Dietbox v2.92 software. The professional group was younger (p = 0.001) than the amateur group. Total energy expenditure was similar between amateur (4364 ± 469 kcal) and professional (4312 ± 381 kcal). Amateur and professional reported an energy deficit between the estimated energy requirement and energy intake. Carbohydrate consumption was below the suggested minimum limits (amateur: 3.3 ± 1.6g/kg/day and professional: 3.3 ± 1.4g/kg/day). Protein intake was within the suggested limits (amateur: 1.4 ± 0.9g/kg/day and professional: 1.8 ± 0.8g/kg/day) and lipids presented borderline values about to with concerning the recommendations in the literature (amateur: 0.9 ± 0.6 / g/kg/day and professional: 1.8 ± 0.9 g/kg/day). Amateur and professional athletes did not differ in terms of food consumption and anthropometric profile. Both groups, amateur and professional, demonstrated negative energy balance and inability to reach the suggested levels of macronutrient intake according to the classification. Thus, it is recommended that both MMA groups receive attention regarding nutritional strategies.

 

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Métricas alternativas

Author Biographies

João Carlos Alves Bueno, Sciences Center of Health and Sport, Laboratory of Sport and Exercise Psychology, Physical Education Department, State University of Santa Catarina

João Carlos Alves Bueno (Brazil) He has worked as a Sports Scientist, Exercise Physiologist and Physical Trainer for high-performance athletes in Combat Sports, soccer and Body Building for over 10 years. He is currently the Asian World Champion, Runner-up in the European Jiu-Jitsu Championship with athlete Carlos Bakurau "Checkmat"; a record of 6 UFC wins with Serginho Moraes “Alliance”; at Bellator Championship he was the physical trainer for the World Champion up to 84kg Rafael Carvalho. At the IBJJF Brazilian Championship, he was champion with Lucas Flores and Silvana Flores “Gracie Barra”; as a Professor, he was a professor at Higher Education Institutions (Centro Universitário Campos de Andrade, Faculdades Inspirar and UNIASSELVI); E-mail: contato.edufisica@hotmail.com

Marcelo Saldanha Aoki, School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities, University of Sao Paulo

Marcelo Saldanha Aoki (Brazil) He holds a degree in Physical Education from the School of Physical Education and Sports at the University of São Paulo (1993) and a degree in Nutrition from the University of Guarulhos (2010), as well as a master's degree in Cellular and Tissue Biology from the Institute of Biomedical Sciences at the University of São Paulo (2000), a PhD in Cellular and Tissue Biology from the Institute of Biomedical Sciences at the University of São Paulo (2005), a post-doctorate from the Institute of Biomedical Sciences at the University of São Paulo (2006), and a post-doctorate from the School of Leisure, Sport and Tourism, University of Technology Sydney, Australia (2011). He currently holds the position of Associate Professor in the Bachelor's degree in Physical Education and Health at the University of São Paulo and Coordinator of the Research Group on Biological Adaptations to Physical Exercise. He has experience in the area of Exercise Physiology, with emphasis on the following topics: nutritional supplementation, metabolism, endocrine system and muscle plasticity. He works as editor and reviewer for several national and international journals. E-mail: aoki.ms@usp.br

Victor Silveira Coswig, Faculty of Physical Education, Federal University of Pará

Victor Silveira Coswig (Brazil) He has a degree in Physical Education from the Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel / 2010) and a postgraduate degree in Exercise Physiology and prescription for gyms and Personal Trainer from the University Center of Volta Redonda (UniFOA / 2011). He has a master's degree in Physical Activity and Performance from ESEF / UFPel (2014) and a PhD in Human Performance and Metabolism (ESEF / UFPel - 2017). He is currently an Adjunct Professor at the Institute of Physical Education and Sports of the Federal University of Ceará (IEFES-UFC). He works as an advisor in the Postgraduate Programs in Neuroscience and Behavior (PPGNC / UFPA) and in Human Movement Sciences (PPGCMH). He is the coordinator of the Specialization in Sports Training at UFPA / Castanhal and of the Study Group in Physical and Sports Training (GET / UFPA). He has experience in the area of Physical Education, with an emphasis on Exercise Physiology and Sports Training, especially with fighters. E-mail: vcoswig@ufc.br

Eduardo Poloni Silveira, Department of Medicine, Alto da Glória, Federal University of Paraná

Eduardo Poloni Silveira (Brazil) Eduardo Poloni Silveira, MD, ACSM-CEP, graduated in Medicine from the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR) in 2000. He holds a specialization in Nutrology accredited by the Brazilian Medical Association (AMB) and the Federal Council of Medicine (CFM). Dr. Poloni is a Clinical Exercise Physiologist certified by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM-CEP) and a Certified Sports Nutritionist through the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN). Additionally, he has earned Diplomas in Sports Medicine and Sports Nutrition from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). His multidisciplinary expertise integrates clinical nutrition, exercise physiology, and sports medicine to advance health and performance outcomes. E-mail: eduardo.poloni@me.com

Ragami Chaves Alves , Research Group on Metabolism, Nutrition and Strength Training, Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Paraná

Ragami Chaves Alves (Brazil) External collaborating researcher at the Catholic University of Brasília (UCB). Works in the area of Sports Training with emphasis on the following topics: Strength Training on physiological and psychological responses in children, adolescents, elderly and obese individuals. Associate member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA-2019). Currently interested in researching motor behavior; motor development and motor learning in obese/overweight adolescents and children. E-mail: ragami1@hotmail.com

Alexandro Andrade, Sciences Center of Health and Sport, Laboratory of Sport and Exercise Psychology, Physical Education Department, State University of Santa Catarina

Alexandro Andrade (Brazil) Full Professor at the Center for Health and Sports Sciences (CEFID.UDESC) and IFSC. His focus is on professional training from Scientific Initiation to Doctorate/Post-doctorate and on scientific production with international and applied impact. He has worked in Research, Teaching, Extension and University and PG Management since 1987. He is a Research Productivity Scholar - Pq from CNPq (2011/2017; 2022/2025). Researcher in the lines of Sports Psychology, Sports Performance, Exercise Psychology and Physical Activity and Health. Coordinates the Laboratory of Sports and Exercise Psychology - LAPE. E-mail: d2aa@hotmail.com

Tácito Pessoa de Souza Junior, Research Group on Metabolism, Nutrition and Strength Training, Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Paraná

Tácito Pessoa de Souza Junior (Brazil) Nutritionist, Physical Education Professional, Master and Doctor in Sports Science (UNICAMP), Post Doctor in Exercise Science from Appalachian State University, Boone, NC (cnpq postdoctoral fellowship). He is currently Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Education at the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR). Permanent Professor of the Stricto-Sensu Postgraduate Program (Masters/Doctorate) at UFPR. He has experience in the area of ​​Exercise Biochemistry, Nutritional Supplementation and Strength Training. He is Coordinator of the Research Group on Metabolism, Nutrition and Strength Training (GPMENUTF). E-mail: tacitojr2009@hotmail.com

References

Alves, R. C., Bueno, J. C. A., Borges, T. O., Zourdos, M. C., Souza Junior, T. P., & Aoki, M. S. (2018). Physiological Function Is Not Fully Regained Within 24 Hours of Rapid Weight Loss in Mixed Martial Artists. Journal of Exercise Physiology Online, 21(5), 73–83.

Andrade, A., Batalha Silva, R., & Dominski, F. H. (2020). Application of sport psychology to mixed martial arts. Kinesiology, 52(1), 94–102. https://doi.org/10.26582/k.52.1.12

Andreato, L. V., Lara, F. J. D., Andrade, A., & Branco, B. H. M. (2017). Physical and Physiological Profiles of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Athletes: a Systematic Review. Sports Medicine - Open, 3(1), 9. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40798-016-0069-5

Anyżewska, A., Dzierżanowski, I., Woźniak, A., Leonkiewicz, M., & Wawrzyniak, A. (2018). Rapid Weight Loss and Dietary Inadequacies among Martial Arts Practitioners from Poland. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 15(11), 2476. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15112476

Artioli, G. G., Franchini, E., Solis, M. Y., Tritto, A. C., & Lancha, A. H. (2013). Nutrition in Combat Sports. In Nutrition and Enhanced Sports Performance (pp. 115–127). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-396454-0.00011-4

Artioli, G. G., Saunders, B., Iglesias, R. T., & Franchini, E. (2016). It is Time to Ban Rapid Weight Loss from Combat Sports. Sports Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-016-0541-x

Artioli, G. Giannini., Gualano, B., Franchini, E., Batista, R. N., Polacow, V. O., & Lancha, A. H. (2009). Physiological, Performance, and Nutritional Profile of the Brazilian Olympic Wushu (Kung-Fu) Team. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 23(1), 20–25. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e318187687a

Barr, S. I., McCargar, L. J., & Crawford, S. M. (1994). Practical Use of Body Composition Analysis in Sport. Sports Medicine, 17(5), 277–282. https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-199417050-00001

Ben-Noun L, Sohar E, & Laor A. (2001). Neck Circumference as a Simple Screening Measure for Identifying Overweight and Obese Patients. https://doi.org/10.1038/oby.2001.61

Boileau, R. A. (1993). Advances in body composition assessment. Cadernos de Saúde Pública, 9(suppl 1), S116–S117. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0102-311X1993000500016

Bueno, J. C. A., Faro, H., Lenetsky, S., Gonçalves, A. F., Dias, S. B. C. D., Ribeiro, A. L. B., da Silva, B. V. C., Filho, C. A. C., de Vasconcelos, B. M., Serrão, J. C., Andrade, A., Souza-Junior, T. P., & Claudino, J. G. (2022). Exploratory Systematic Review of Mixed Martial Arts: An Overview of Performance of Importance Factors with over 20,000 Athletes. Sports, 10(6), 80. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports10060080

Burke, L. M., Cox, G. R., Cummings, N. K., & Desbrow, B. (2001). Guidelines for Daily Carbohydrate Intake. Sports Medicine, 31(4), 267–299. https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200131040-00003

Cho, K. O. (2014). Differences of energy intake and energy expenditure of elite Taekwondo players receiving summer vs. winter intensive training. Journal of Exercise Nutrition and Biochemistry, 18(2), 169–174. https://doi.org/10.5717/jenb.2014.18.2.169

Cócaro, E. S., Priore, S. E., Costa, R. F., & Fisberg, M. (2012). Consumo alimentar e perfil antropométrico de adolescentes tenistas. Nutrire: Revista de Sociedade Brasileira de Alimentação e Nutrição, 37(3), 293-308. http://dx.doi.org/10.4322/nutrire.2012.023

Coswig, V. S., Miarka, B., Pires, D. A., da Silva, L. M., Bartel, C., & Del Vecchio, F. B. (2019). Weight Regain, but not Weight Loss, Is Related to Competitive Success in Real-Life Mixed Martial Arts Competition. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 29(1), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijsnem.2018-0034

Evans, R. K., Antczak, A. J., Lester, M., Yanovich, R., Israeli, E., & Moran, D. S. (2008). Effects of a 4-month recruit training program on markers of bone metabolism. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 40(11), S660–S670. https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0b013e318189422b

Faro, H., de Lima-Junior, D., & Machado, D. G. da S. (2022). Rapid weight gain predicts fight success in mixed martial arts – evidence from 1,400 weigh-ins. European Journal of Sport Science, 0, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1080/17461391.2021.2013951

Franchini, E., Nunes, A. V., Moraes, J. M., & Del Vecchio, F. B. (2007). Physical Fitness and Anthropometrical Profile of the Brazilian Male Judo Team. Journal of Physiological Anthropology, 26(2), 59–67. https://doi.org/10.2114/jpa2.26.59

Kerksick, C. M., Wilborn, C. D., Roberts, M. D., Smith-Ryan, A., Kleiner, S. M., Jäger, R., Collins, R., Cooke, M., Davis, J. N., Galvan, E., Greenwood, M., Lowery, L. M., Wildman, R., Antonio, J., & Kreider, R. B. (2018). ISSN exercise & sports nutrition review update: research & recommendations. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 15(1), 1–57. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-018-0242-y

Kirk, C., Langan-Evans, C., Clark, D. R., & Morton, J. P. (2021). Quantification of training load distribution in mixed martial arts athletes: A lack of periodisation and load management. PLOS ONE, 16(5), e0251266. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0251266

Kirk, C., Langan-Evans, C., & Morton, J. P. (2020). Worth the Weight? Post Weigh-In Rapid Weight Gain is Not Related to Winning or Losing in Professional Mixed Martial Arts. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 30(5), 357–361. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijsnem.2019-0347

Larson-Meyer, D. E., & Willis, K. S. (2010). Vitamin D and Athletes. Current Sports Medicine Reports, 9(4), 220–226. https://doi.org/10.1249/JSR.0b013e3181e7dd45

Lee, R. C., Wang, Z., Heo, M., Ross, R., Janssen, I., & Heymsfield, S. B. (2000). Total-body skeletal muscle mass: development and cross-validation of anthropometric prediction models. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 72(3), 796–803. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/72.3.796

Marinho, B. F., Del Vecchio, F. B., & Franchini, E. (2012). Condición física y perfil antropométrico de atletas de artes marciales mixtas. Revista de Artes Marciales Asiáticas, 6(2), 7–18. https://doi.org/10.18002/rama.v6i2.4

Marinho, B. F., Follmer, B., Del Conti Esteves, J. V., & Andreato, L. V. (2016). Body composition, somatotype, and physical fitness of mixed martial arts athletes. Sport Sciences for Health, 12(2), 157–165. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11332-016-0270-4

Matthews, J. J., & Nicholas, C. (2017). Extreme Rapid Weight Loss and Rapid Weight Gain Observed in UK Mixed Martial Arts Athletes Preparing for Competition. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 27(2), 122–129. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijsnem.2016-0174

Matthews, J. J., Stanhope, E. N., Godwin, M. S., Holmes, M. E. J., & Artioli, G. G. (2019). The Magnitude of Rapid Weight Loss and Rapid Weight Gain in Combat Sport Athletes Preparing for Competition: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 29(4), 441–452. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijsnem.2018-0165

McArdle, W. D., Katch, F. I., & Katch., V. I. (2016). Fisiologia do Exercício: Nutrição, Energia e Desempenho Humano (8th edition). Guanabara Koogan.

Miarka, B., dal Bello, F., Brito, C. J., & Amtmann, J. (2018). Technical-tactical ratios by round, genders and weight division of mixed martial arts for training. International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport, 18(1), 78–89. https://doi.org/10.1080/24748668.2018.1447210

Moreira, C. A., Ferreira, C. E. D. S., Madeira, M., Carvalho Silva, B. C., Maeda, S. S., Batista, M. C., Bandeira, F., Cochenski Borba, V. Z., & Lazaretti-Castro, M. (2020). Reference values of 25-hydroxyvitamin d revisited: A position statement from the brazilian society of endocrinology and metabolism (SBEM) and the Brazilian society of clinical pathology/ laboratory medicine (SBPC). Archives of Endocrinology and Metabolism, 64(4), 462–478. https://doi.org/10.20945/2359-3997000000258

Moshfegh, A. J., Rhodes, D. G., Baer, D. J., Murayi, T., Clemens, J. C., Rumpler, W. V., Paul, D. R., Sebastian, R. S., Kuczynski, K. J., Ingwersen, L. A., Staples, R. C., & Cleveland, L. E. (2008). The US Department of Agriculture Automated Multiple-Pass Method reduces bias in the collection of energy intakes. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 88(2), 324–332. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/88.2.324

Mountjoy, M., Sundgot-Borgen, J., Burke, L., Ackerman, K. E., Blauwet, C., Constantini, N., Lebrun, C., Lundy, B., Melin, A., Torstveit, M. K., & Budgett, R. (2018). International Olympic Committee (IOC) Consensus statement on relative energy deficiency in sport (red-s): 2018 update. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 28(4), 316–331. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijsnem.2018-0136

Otten, J. J., Hellwig, J. P., & Meyers, L. D. (2006). Dietary reference intakes: The essential guide to nutrient requirements. The National Academies Press.

Owens, D. J., Allison, R., & Close, G. L. (2018). Vitamin D and the Athlete: Current Perspectives and New Challenges. In Sports Medicine (Vol. 48, pp. 3–16). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-017-0841-9

Reale, R., Burke, L. M., Cox, G. R., & Slater, G. (2020). Body composition of elite Olympic combat sport athletes. European Journal of Sport Science, 20(2), 147–156. https://doi.org/10.1080/17461391.2019.1616826

Rhea, M. R. (2004). Determining the magnitude of treatment effects in strength training research through the use of the effect size. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 18(4), 918–920.

Robertson, R. J., Goss, F. L., Rutkowski, J., Lenz, B., Dixon, C., Timmer, J., Frazee, K., Dube, J., & Andreacci, J. (2003). Concurrent validation of the OMNI perceived exertion scale for resistance exercise. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 35(2), 333–341. https://doi.org/10.1249/01.MSS.0000048831.15016.2A

Schick, M. G., Brown, L. E., Coburn, J. W., Beam, W. C., Schick, E. E., & Dabbs, N. C. (2010). Physiological Profile of Mixed Martial Artists. Medicina Sportiva, 14(4), 182–187. https://doi.org/10.2478/v10036-010-0029-y

Sichieri, R., & Everhart, J. E. (1998). Validity of a Brazilian food frequency questionnaire against dietary recalls and estimated energy intake. Nutrition Research, 18(10), 1649–1659. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0271-5317(98)00151-1

Simopoulos, A. (2007). Omega-3 fatty acids and athletics. Current Sports Medicine Reports, 6(4), 230–236. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.CSMR.0000306476.80090.8b

Siri, W. E. (1961). Body composition from fluid spaces and density: analysis of methods. In J. Brozek & A. Henschel (Eds.), Techniques for Measuring Body Compositions (pp. 223-244). National Academy of Sciences

Spanias, C., Nikolaidis, P. T., Rosemann, T., & Knechtle, B. (2019). Anthropometric and Physiological Profile of Mixed Martial Art Athletes: A Brief Review. Sports, 7(6), 146. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports7060146

Thomas, D. T., Erdman, K. A., & Burke, L. M. (2016). Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Dietitians of Canada, and the American College of Sports Medicine: Nutrition and Athletic Performance. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 116(3), 501–528. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jand.2015.12.006

Venkata Ramana, Y., Surya Kumari, M. V. L., Sudhakar Rao, S., & Balakrishna, N. (2004). Effect of changes in body composition profile on VO2max and maximal work performance in athletes. Journal of Exercise Physiology Online, 7(1), 34-39.

World Health Organization. (1985). Energy and protein requirements. Report of a joint FAO/WHO/UNU Expert Consultation. WHO Technical Report Series, n 724. World Health Organization. https://www.fao.org/4/AA040E/AA040E00.htm

Downloads

Published

2024-11-02

How to Cite

Bueno, J. C. A., Aoki, M. S., Coswig, V. S., Silveira, E. P., Alves , R. C., Andrade, A., & Souza Junior, T. P. de. (2024). Anthropometric profile and dietary intake of amateurs and professional mixed martial arts athletes. Revista de Artes Marciales Asiáticas, 19(2), 115–128. https://doi.org/10.18002/rama.v19i1.2411

Issue

Vol. 19 No. 2 (2024)

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2024 João Carlos Alves Bueno, Marcelo Saldanha Aoki, Victor Silveira Coswig, Eduardo Poloni Silveira, Ragami Chaves Alves , Alexandro Andrade, Tácito Pessoa de Souza Junior

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

The authors who publish in this journal must agree to the following terms:

  1. The authors grant on a nonexclusive basis the exploitation rights (reproduction, distribution, public communication and transformation) of the work accepted for publication to the University of León. The authors can establish, on their own, additional agreements for the non-exclusive distribution of the version of the work published in the journal (for example, placing it in an institutional repository or publishing it in a book), always acknowledging the initial publication in this journal.
  2. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Click to see basic information and the legal text of the license.
  3. The authors are allowed and encouraged to disseminate electronically pre-print or post-print versions of their work before publication, as this can give rise to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and increased citing of the works published.

Most read articles by the same author(s)