Correlations between somatotypes and nutritional intake in members of a fitness studio

Abstract

This explorative study investigates the correlations between nutritional intake (macronutrient) and somatotypes and other body constitutional types in 121 members of a fitness studio (47♂, the mean age 37.4±11.8 years; 74♀, the mean age 41.2±12.6 years). Anthropometric data and computed constitutional and somatotypical parameters correspond to international standards. Nutrient intakes were estimated by the use of 3-day dietary recall records. The correlations between individual somatotypes and nutritional intake were generally weak, with only a few significant relationships identified.

In women the Plastic-Index after Conrad was positively related to protein intake (r = 0.28), the Metric-Index was positively related to fat intake (r=0.22) and the energy intake (r=0.25). In men the Plastic-Index after Conrad was positively correlated to the water intake (r=0.38). In women Ectomorphy after Parnell was positively correlated to the energy intake (r=0.23), Endomorphy after Heath&Carter was inversely related to the carbohydrate intake (r=–0.19) and the energy intake (r=–0.24). In women Mesomorphy after Heath&Carter was inversely related to the carbohydrate intake (r=–0.21) and the energy intake (r=–0.22). In women Pycnomorphy after Knußmann was positively correlated to the protein intake (r=0.23) and Macrosomia after Knußmann was positively correlated to the protein intake. In men the Makrosomia after Knußmann was positively correlated to the protein intake (r=0.26), carbohydrate intake (r=0.31), the energy intake (r=0.34) and the water intake (r=0.40).

The results indicate that differences may exist between the sexes in these correlations. Therefore it requires further follow-up studies to clarify these issues.