UNRAVELING ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE: THE INTERPLAY OF ANTHROPOMETRY, BODY COMPOSITION, AND DIETARY PATTERNS IN NON-ELITE ATHLETES OF PESHAWAR, PAKISTAN

Abstract

BACKGROUND Anthropometry, body composition, and diet are the silent architects of an athlete’s health and performance. In non-elite athletes, these factors often fluctuate—challenged by inconsistent training, varied nutrition, and limited resources. Yet, they remain the foundation of endurance, strength, and resilience, shaping every stride towards excellence. OBJECTIVES The primary objective of this study is to comprehensively evaluate the interrelationship between anthropometry, body composition, and dietary patterns and their collective impact on athletic performance. This study aims to provide evidence-based insights into how these factors influence physical endurance, strength, and overall sports performance, ultimately contributing to optimized training and nutrition strategies for athletes. METHODOLOGY Anthropometric measurements, including height, weight, BMI, and skinfold thickness, were taken following standardized protocols. Body composition was assessed using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) to estimate body fat percentage, lean body mass and total body water. Dietary intake was evaluated using a Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Data was analyzed using SPSS with descriptive and inferential statistics, adhering to ethical guidelines. RESULTS  The study revealed notable anthropometric disparities, with males significantly taller and heavier than females, reinforcing well-documented physiological differences in athletic build. Body composition analysis exposed alarming trends, particularly among female athletes, who exhibited excessively high body fat percentages beyond the recommended range, raising concerns about metabolic health and training effectiveness. Conversely, some female athletes displayed unexpectedly high lean body mass, warranting further investigation. Dietary patterns were particularly alarming, with excessive reliance on fried and processed foods, low protein intake, and irregular meal habits, including frequent meal skipping and inadequate hydration. Shockingly, many athletes lacked structured meal patterns, consuming nutrient-poor snacks while neglecting essential macronutrients required for recovery and endurance. These findings highlight an urgent need for targeted nutritional education, structured meal planning, and performance-focused dietary interventions to optimize health and athletic potential in non-elite athletes. CONCLUSION Anthropometry, body composition, and dietary intake are crucial determinants of health and performance in non-elite athletes. Their variability, influenced by inconsistent training and nutritional challenges, underscores the need for targeted interventions to optimize physical well-being. Addressing these factors can enhance athletic potential, resilience, and overall fitness, bridging the gap between non-elite and elite performance levels.