Abstract
Since little descriptive data for field athletes is available, the anthropometric
measurements, dietary intake and plasma lipid levels of 22 male and 15 female field
athletes (throwers) are reported. Percentage body fat was calculated by using four
skinfold thicknesses. Using this measurement as criterion, 53% of the females were
obese. Percentage body fat and body mass index showed a positive correlation with
total plasma cholesterol and plasma tri-acylglycerol and a negative correlation with
percentage HDL cholesterol for males and females. Five of the males and three of the
females were hypercholesterolaemic. The seven day estimated dietary record was used
to determine their dietary intake. The males as well as the females consumed a diet
that was high in fat and cholesterol content. Their diets were low in carbohydrate.
It is recommended that these athletes increase their carbohydrate intake and lower
their total fat intake. It is also recommended that the obese subjects should lose
weight.
Key words
field athletes - anthropometry - obesity - plasma lipids - dietary intake
