This study was designed to examine the correlation between female ballet dancers' energy metabolism and appetite-regulating hormone levels. The subjects were 86 female ballet dancers. At baseline, subjects were 25.88±2.79 years old and weighed 49.43�...
This study was designed to examine the correlation between female ballet dancers' energy metabolism and appetite-regulating hormone levels. The subjects were 86 female ballet dancers. At baseline, subjects were 25.88±2.79 years old and weighed 49.43±4.35kg. Their BMI was 18.42±1.04kg/m2 and their percent body fat(%BF) was 19.60±2.95%. To calculate the energy intake(EI), the subjects self-recorded their daily food consumption, and the data was calculated using a computer-aided nutrition analysis program. Hemanalysis was conducted to examine the serum levels of ghrelin, leptin, insulin, and glucose; all of which are known to be closely associated with energy homeostasis. The analysis of covariance was used for statistical analysis.
The results revealed that ghrelin was significantly related to EI (p<0.05). Ghrelin was positively correlated with EI, while leptin, insulin, and glucose showed no significant correlation to EI.
In conclusion, ballet dancers are inclined to disrupt the energy balance in their occupational need to maintain thin, "ideal" ballet physique. Their prolonged low energy intake may alter the levels of metabolic hormones to reach abnormal range, which in turn may increase the risk of serious health problems for ballet dancers.