Impact of Sports Participation on Female Athletes' Body Composition and Metabolic Health: A Cross-sectional Comparative Study

Background: This study investigates how participation in sports, particularly Volleyball and Handball, influences body composition and metabolic parameters among female athletes. A total of 60 participants were enrolled, including 20 Volleyball players, 20 Handball players, and 20 non-athletes.  Objective/purpose: To investigate the relationship between sports participation and female athletes body composition and metabolic parameters were assessed using bioimpedance analysis.  Findings: Findings revealed significant differences in body composition metrics among the groups. Handball players exhibited lower BMI and favourable waist-to-circumference (W/C) and waist-to-height (W-Ht) ratios compared to other groups. Volleyball players displayed the lowest body fat percentage and visceral fat levels, accompanied by the highest whole-body skeletal muscle mass. Athletes, particularly those in Volleyball and Handball, showcased lower body fat percentages and visceral fat levels compared to non-athletes.  Conclusion: These results underscore the potential benefits of sports participation in optimizing body composition and overall health. Tailored training and nutritional interventions are recommended to further enhance athletic performance and health outcomes. This study contributes to our understanding of the role of sports in shaping body composition and metabolic health, emphasizing the importance of promoting physical activity among athletes and the general population. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of sports engagement on physiological parameters.