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The impact on physical and mental health
The impact on physical and mental health
Bodybuilding is often not considered in the conversation about one of the toughest sports to compete in as it does not require physical engagement with other athletes.
However, it requires a high level of will to be prepared for the challenges and risks it may cause to both phycological and psychological health.
Physical health
Physical health
Decreased testosterone levels
During a calorie restricted phase, specifically when calories are at their lowest, we can see some alterations within ones hormones regulation (73).
Especially in male athletes, we can see a large reduction in testosterone, which is a key hormone for both performance and overall health and wellbeing (96).
We can maintain better testosterone levels for a small duration during competition preparation through our diet, however we calories are further reduced it will be hard to manage (97) .
Importance of Micronutrients
It is common knowledge that adequate nutrition is key for maintain a good health status, in addition to regulating the body's immune system through the consumption of key vitamins and minerals (99).
The image, published by Pecora, F. et al (99) defines what are the key micronutrients and there roles in maintain correct metabolic status and aiding the immune system.
The rate of loss can also greatly determine the effects upon hormone regulation. We can see in adult males that if rate of loss is around 1kg/week compared to 0.5kg/week, it is shown to decrease testosterone levels by up to 30% (98).
So by slowing down the rate of loss, we can control these negative outcomes further.
The effects of decreased testosterone in bodybuilding are often only short term, however it may cause:
-Decreased libido
-Fatigue
-Erectile Dysfunction
The lack improper nutrition can lead to changes with the bodies metabolic status due to malnutrition, further causing a increased need for this specific nutrients.
To ensure we are getting all of these specific nutrients, it is essential that we consume foods rich in micronutrients, similar to ones in the diagram.
In addition, pairing a good nutrition, with supplementation of Omega-3 fatty acids, zinc and magnesium demonstrates increased functionality of the immune system, which is key for longevity . (100).
Metabolic changes
In this video, we discuss both the positive and negative adaptios that occur during low caloric intake, why this happens and how it should be best managed.
Metabolic changes.mp4Mental health
Mental health
In addition to impairing physical health, it is evident that decreased levels of testosterone can also negatively impact mental health through increased feelings of depression and anxiety (96).
These can cause a number issues both with health and performance, such as body dysmorphia, overtraining, eating disorders and in enhanced bodybuilding, substances abuse (101) .
In this video we will be talking about the issues around bodybuilding, how it effects mental health and some guidance on how to mitigate the effects.
Mental health.mp4Felix interview.mp4The struggles of bodybuilding
The struggles of bodybuilding
In this interview we are speaking to Felix Nye, a amateur Men's physique competitor. We delve into the negative side of prep, regarding both the mental and physique issues it can cause and areas that are not well known in first time competitors.
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