ABSTRACT
In sports like gymnastics the physique is an integral part of the judgement of performance and leanness is unambiguously emphasised. Consequently female gymnasts tend to have a rather low energy intake[1, 2]. Since in children a positive energy balance is critical to sustaining growth and health, the low energy intake of female gymnasts could result in retardation of growth and development. Most studies on this topic are cross-sectional and follow-up information is lacking. Therefore we studied energy intake and growth status of top-level Flemish gymnasts over a period of 3 to 4 y in order to find out whether the presumed low energy intake of the gymnasts was associated with growth retardation.
