Eating habits and body composition profile in Chilean beach soccer players

Abstract

Objective: To describe the dietary habits and body composition of Chilean beach soccer players. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted in 20 male players. The sample was selected by convenience sampling during Chilean national preselection training sessions held at the Arena Cavancha stadium in Iquique. Inclusion criteria were age ≥18 years, participation in the national preselection, membership in a National League club, and absence of disabling injuries. No sample losses occurred. Body composition was assessed using the five-component fractionation model, and dietary habits were evaluated using the Dietary Habits Questionnaire developed by Durán et al. Results are presented as mean ± standard deviation, frequencies, and percentages. Results: Mean age was 22.9 ± 6.9 years. Muscle mass was 49.6 ± 1.7%, and adipose mass was 23.2 ± 2.0%. The predominant somatotype was meso-endomorphic (2.8-4.9-2.1). In the healthy habits domain, 75% of the players met the established criterion, whereas, in the unhealthy habits domain, 20% scored above the cutoff point. Intake frequencies below the recommendations were observed for dairy products, fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain foods, together with frequent consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and fried foods. Conclusion: The assessed players showed higher adiposity and lower muscle
mass than values previously reported in professional soccer players, along with suboptimal dietary habits. These findings support the need for specific nutritional assessment, education, and support in beach soccer players.