WEIGHT-CONTROL PRACTICES OF ATHLETES OF UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA

The objective of the study was to determine the weight-control practices of athletes of University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Specifically, the study investigated the weight-gain as well as the weight-loss practices of the athletes. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted in carrying out the study. Three hundred and fifty-two (352) athletes who formed the entire athlete population in the university constituted the sample for the study. A validated structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Pearson product moment correlation in conjunction with Spearman-Brown prophecy statistics was utilized to establish reliability of the instrument. A reliability co-efficient of .83 was obtained. Two hundred and twenty seven out of 352 copies of administered questionnaire were returned giving a return rate of 64.49 per cent. 162 out of 227 copies of returned questionnaire were properly filled and used for analysis. Generated data were analyzed using percentages in the Statistical Packages of Social Sciences ? SPSS Batch system. The findings of the study revealed that majority of the athletes never adopt healthy weight-gain (53.20%) and weight-loss practices (58.95%). Also, majority of the respondents adopt unhealthy weight-gain (81.59%) and weight-loss practices (61.36%). Based on the findings it was concluded that athletes of University of Nigeria, Nsukka adopt unhealthy weight control practices.