Energy balance in sports and performance

Question 1

In your own words, explain the Female Athlete Triad and the inter-relationship between the three components

Answer 1

The Female Athlete Triad focuses on the interrelationship between menstrual function, bone mineral density, and energy availability in female athletes.

Question 2

Write short notes on how trainers and coaches can help to prevent disordered eating in athletes

Answer 2

• Provide athletes with accurate information regarding body composition, nutrition and sports performance to reduce misinformation and challenge unhealthy practices.
• Understand biological characteristics. Not all bodies are the same.
• Never make comments about body image.
• Avoid putting pressure on athlete to lose weight

Question 3

What is meant by “making weight” and why do athletes practice it?

Answer 3

Is the rapid weight loss in order to compete in a lower weight class for perceived competitive advantage

Question 4

Outline safer ways to “make weight”

Answer 4

• active sweating preferable to passive sweating
• 5-8% WL permissible but not solely through dehydration
• Adequate dietary intake to support training - min 1700kcal/day
• schedule weigh-ins immediately before competition

Question 5

Name 4 risk factors in the development of eating disorders and give an example of each one

Answer 5

• in some sports decreased body mass improves performance: cycling
• Coaching behaviour
  -Rules and regulations in sports: boxing
• Peer pressure

Question 6

Which macronutrient DIRECTLY contributes to increased adipose tissue?

Answer 6

Fat

Question 7

Describe the main differences between the Female Athlete Triad model and the RED-S model

Answer 7

The Female Athlete Triad focuses on the interrelationship between menstrual function, bone mineral density, and energy availability in female athletes. RED-S includes more factors and systems, and can apply to both male and female athletes.

Question 8

In your own words briefly explain the metabolic pathway which converts excess dietary carbohydrates to fatty acids?

Answer 8

De novo lipogenesis (DNL) converts excess carbohydrates into fatty acids

Question 9

Explain what is meant by ectopic lipid deposition

Answer 9

When triglycerides build up in tissues that don’t normally contain much fat, like the liver, heart, pancreas, and skeletal muscles

Question 10

Assertion: An energy surplus is always required to increase lean body mass.
Statement: Lean body mass cannot be increased in energy deficit.

Answer 10

false, false

Question 11

Assertion: Following a mixed meal fats are oxidised preferentially.
Statement: Fat stores are large compared to carbohydrate stores, so the body tries to avert further fat storage

Answer 11

true, true

Question 12

True or false
The energy cost of digesting and absorbing fat is lower than CHO and protein

Answer 12

True

Question 13

What is the gene linked to obesity in humans?

Answer 13

FTO (fat mass and obesity-associated)