Biopsychosocial Effects of Competition Preparation in Natural Bodybuilders

Bodybuilders are judged on the subjective visual assessment of their muscular size, proportion, and leanness. This case series tracked four drug-free bodybuilders (3 male) during off-season, pre-competition recovery phases. study aimed to comprehensively profile key biopsychosocial changes occurring pre/post competition in a group British natural bodybuilders. We measured: resting metabolic rate (RMR), body composition (via BIA, ultrasound sum 7 skinfolds), lipid profiles, fasted glucose, blood pressure, power output (Wingate), grip strength, carried out psychometric questionnaires (EAT-26, STAI, BUT) over an eight-month period. Mean weight loss from 5 months (5M) pre-contest (PRE) was 8.6 ± 4.1 kg, followed by increase 7.9 1.6 kg two post contest (POST). The mean RMR cohort stable 1899 630 kcal 1897 598 (PRE), before decreasing 1797 242 peak declined 770 113.0 w (5M), 700.0 134.4 increasing 816.0 116.2 Competition dieting had no effect EAT-26 or BUT scores, suggesting dysmorphic eating disorder concerns, although trait anxiety elevated three participants throughout observation. Many that occur as they prepare for return baseline measurements 2 competition.