Objective The study aimed to investigate the effect of a nutrition program introduced among elite Greco-Roman wrestlers during weight loss period prior to the competition on the athletes' body composition, hydration, and mood. Methods The experimental group comprised from the Greco-Roman Wrestling National Team (U23) of different weights (n = 8) and the control group consisted of substitute athletes (n = 8) with the same weights with the experimental group. To achieve the target weight, the experimental group followed a personalized weight loss program under the supervision of a dietitian, whereas the control group lost weight using their own methods. The athletes completed a mood pro le questionnaire, food and uid consumption, urine density evaluation, anthropometric measurements, and body composition assessments were performed.
ResultsThe athletes who followed a balanced diet under the guidance of a dietician had decreased body mass index, body weight, body fat rates (%) and urine density compared to the athletes who used traditional methods (P< 0.05). Negative changes in the control group and positive changes in the experimental group were observed in the mood pro le scores (P< 0.05). There was a higher decrease in variables, including energy (kcal), carbohydrate (g/kg), protein (g/kg), fat (g/kg) and micronutrient consumption, in the control group (P< 0.05).Conclusion Change in nutritional intake at the macro and micro level was found to be more balanced among male athletes who followed a regular and planned nutrition program under a dietitian's supervision. In addition, the experimental group had decreased body fat percentages and urine density, and underwent a positive change as con rmed by their mood pro le.