The aim of this study was to diagnose the nutritional status and self-perception of health club goers of Caxias do Sul. The sample was composed of 87 men, aged 20-25 years. The diagnosis of the nutritional status was determined through analysis of suitability of macronutrients and micronutrients - vitamin A, C and E, calcium, iron, selenium and zinc by a 24h-questionnaire with closed questions and body silhouette scales. Statistical analysis was by descriptive analysis and paired Student's t test. Significant values were p < 0.05. Results have shown that diet in this population was normoglycidic, hyperlipidic and hyperproteic; supplements consumption was of 29.9%, being its majority protein-based. Concerning macronutrients, selenium, zinc and iron were suitable, and vitamins A, C and E and calcium were deficient. Only 19.5% of the individuals ingested the calcium daily recommendation. The body fat percentage of the bodybuilding practitioners (14.08 ± 4.25%) was classified as within the average. Concerning body self-perception, most of the subjects want to have a silhouette equal or bigger than the eutrophic model. This population presents important nutritional inadequacies, being these derived or not from the aim to gain muscular mass. Therefore, it is necessary that it receives nutritional guidance.
nutrition; body composition and image; health club goers
