Assessment of Nutritional Status, knowledge and practices of women attend fitness centers (GYM) at AL-Klakla Area, December, 2016

The study objectives of this study were to assess the nutritional status,knowledge, awareness, and practices of women attending fitness (gym) centersat Alklakla locality, the sample included hundred (100) women had beenchosen randomly from five different centers at ALklaklaQuestionnaire was used as tool to collect the data which included: sociodemographic characteristics, sport information, medical history as well asnutritional and anthropometrics data. Data entry and analysis done throughSPPS program by frequencies and cross tabulation.The results of the study showed that: The age of sample ranged from 20 to 35years old. 46% of the sample belongs to the age group 20-24 years old. 50%were students at universities. Anthropometric measurements showed that: 70%were overweight, 48% their waist/hip ratio more than 85%. 53%) have joinedgym to reduce their weight. 63% of women who attend gym knew it from theirfriends. Most of the women studied (63%) were not satisfied with their bodyshapes and the majority (78%) reported that exercising positively change theirmood. Half of the women studied eat usually less than three meals daily (51%).48% regularly take fast food three times or more per week, 46% of them usedfrying as the most common method of cooking their food.The study found that most of the women studied followed tough diet (low inenergy, protein and fats); they depend on vegetables, soups, fruits andexcluding meals to reduce calories (there exists an inadequacy in dietary intakeof both macro and micronutrients). There was also lack knowledge aboutnutrition, healthy food choices and the component of a well-balanced diet.Therefore, this study recommends and stresses on the importance of thepresence of dietitians at all gym centers as to help in improving these womennutrition awareness and the healthiest ways to lose weight.GYM: Means gymnasium, facility equipped for sports or physical training