Evaluation o f Body Composition and Serum Leptin Levels o f Athletes and Non-Athletes

Abstract

The aim o f this stııdy is to fınd out the effects of anthropometrical measuremeııts and nutritional factors on senım leptin levels among body mass index (BMI) and age - matched voluntary 10 male Olympic wrestlers, 10 male Olympic weight lifters, and 10 non-athletes. Senım leptin levels were measured by ELISA- human leptin, IBL kits. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (by Tanita-215), waist circumference and skinfold measurements (by Holtain skinfold caliper) were taken as anthropometrical measurements. The body fat percentages and senım leptin levels of the athletes were found to be different and lower than that o f non-athletes (p<0.00, p<0.05, respectively). The usage of BMI was found to be improper for athletes. BIA, skinfold measurements and equations based on waist circumference found proper for the estimation of body fat percentages of the athletes (p<0.001). As a conclusion in the evaluation of body composition and senım leptin levels, usage of BIA and equations based on skinfold thickness, waist circumference measurements could be recommendedfor athletes.