Relationship Between Within-day Energy Balance on Body Composition in Professional Cheerleaders

The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between hourly and daily energy balance on body composition in professional cheerleaders on an active roster. Using a detailed hourly food intake and energy expenditure interview protocol, female professional cheerleaders (N=19) between ages 18–32 yr. (mean= 25.4 yr.) were assessed to obtain typical 24-hour training day energy intake and expenditure. Within-day (hourly) and daily energy balance and energy substrate values were obtained using NutriTimingTM as follows: Energy intake was predicted using USDA Food Composition Database SR26, and energy expenditure was predicted using Harris-Benedict plus a MET-Based relative intensity activity scale. Body composition was predicted using multi-current, 8-mode segmental bioelectrical impedance analysis (InBody 230, InBody USA). Data analysis found that dietary 24-hour energy intake was significantly below (p<0.001) the unadjusted predicted energy requirement (mean intake= 1482 kcal vs. requirement= 2199 kcal), resulting in a negative 24-hour energy balance of −720 kcal. Daily carbohydrate intake was also significantly below (<0.001) the recommended level (mean intake= 3.1 g/kg vs. requirement = 6–10 g/kg). Higher daily energy intakes (kcal/kg) were significantly associated with lower body fat % (r= −0.55; p=0.014), higher lean body mass % (r=0.56; p=0.015), higher fat intake gm/kg (r= −0.56; p=0.014), and more hours spent in an energy balance of ±300 kcal (p=0.013). Using a Mann-Whitney U-Test and the median of LBM% and BF% as the cut point, we found that participants with fewer hours in a negative energy balance had a lower body fat % (p=0.043) and higher lean body mass % (p=0.035). These data suggest that eating behaviors resulting in large energy balance deficits and/or more hours in a negative energy balance are counterproductive for achieving the desired lean body composition.