Influence of Professional Nutritional Support on Dietary Profile of Strength-Trained Women

Appropriate eating habits and personalized nutritional strategies combined with strength training can optimize metabolic pathways, enhance strength gains, and improve body composition. The present study aims to characterize and analyze how professional nutritional support influences the dietary profile and energy balance (EB) of strength-trained women. This cross-sectional study includes 64 strength-trained women divided into four groups: HyperWith (nutritional support, hypertrophy objective), WLossWith (nutritional support, weight loss objective), HyperWithout (no nutritional support, hypertrophy objective), and WLossWithout (no nutritional support, weight loss objective). Dietary profile and total energy expenditure (TEE) were assessed using a 24-hour food recall and physical activity diary. Statistical analysis was conducted using one-way ANOVA (α=0.05), followed by Tukey's post hoc test to identify group differences. The TEE, energy intake, and macronutrient intake were recorded and compared. No significant difference in TEE was found between groups, though individual variations were observed. Statistically significant differences (p<0.05) were noted in EB, total calories, and macronutrients. The HyperWith group had a significantly higher mean total caloric value than WLossWith (p=0.006) and WLossWithout (p=0.011), with significant differences in EB between WLossWith and HyperWith (p=0.006) and between HyperWith and WLossWithout (p=0.008). HyperWith showed higher means of carbohydrates, proteins (p<0.001), and lipids (p=0.044). The study emphasizes the importance of professional nutritional support for strength-trained women aiming for weight loss or hypertrophy, finding that dietary profiles and EB were partially aligned with recommendations, particularly among those receiving support.