4. Energy intake of athletes

If body weight and performance levels are to be maintained during periods of intense training, the high rate of energy expenditure must be matched by an equally high energy intake. Available data for most athletes suggest that they are in energy balance within the limits of the techniques used for measuring intake and expenditure. This is to be expected, as a chronic deficit in energy intake would lead to a progressive loss of body mass. Because they often fall at or beyond the extremes of the normal range, the dietary habits of athletes in different sports have been extensively studied.