Nutrition knowledge and dietary intake among Indonesian professional weightlifters: Implications for performance and policy
Keywords:
Nutritional Status, Lifestyle, Weighlifting, QuestionnaireAbstract
Background: In weight-class sports like weightlifting, dietary habits and nutrition knowledge are critical to optimizing body composition and performance. Despite the importance of these factors, limited research has explored the nutritional behaviors and knowledge of elite Indonesian weightlifters. This study addresses that gap by evaluating both dimensions in a professional athletic context. Research Objectives: This study aims to examine the levels of nutritional knowledge and dietary intake among Indonesian professional weightlifters, with the goal of providing recommendations to enhance Indonesia's achievements in the sport. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 24 national-level Indonesian weightlifters with at least four years of competitive experience. Participants completed a validated nutrition knowledge questionnaire and a 7-day dietary recall. Data were analyzed using SPSS to determine average intake values and knowledge scores. Findings/Results: Findings revealed that none of the athletes met the recommended dietary intake across all major nutrient categories. Protein intake was the closest to adequacy, while energy, carbohydrate, calcium, and fiber intake were below standard recommendations. Additionally, athletes showed low levels of nutritional knowledge in all assessed areas. Conclusion: Both nutritional knowledge and dietary intake among Indonesian professional weightlifters are inadequate and may hinder optimal performance and recovery. This highlights the urgent need for targeted nutrition education and individualized dietary planning. Future interventions should also consider psychosocial and environmental factors such as food access, cultural influences, time constraints, and social support to ensure sustainable improvements in athletes’ eating behaviors.
Downloads
Author Biographies
Muhamad Fahmi Hasan, Department of Sport Science, School of Pharmacy, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Bandung, Indonesia
Tommy Apriantono, Department of Sport Science, School of Pharmacy, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Bandung, Indonesia
Nia Sri Ramania, Department of Sport Science, School of Pharmacy, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Bandung, Indonesia
Nur Luthfiatus Solikah, Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia
Gifran Latief, Department of Sports Science, School of Pharmacy, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Bandung, Indonesia
References
Adhelia, W., & Sefrina, L. R. (2022). Hubungan Pengetahuan Tentang Gizi Seimbang, Durasi Tidur, Gaya Hidup, dan Status Gizi terhadap Stamina Atlet pada Sebuah Klub Sepakbola. SPRINTER: Jurnal Ilmu Olahraga, 3(2), 52–62. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.46838/spr.v3i2.166 DOI: https://doi.org/10.46838/spr.v3i2.166
Amawi, A., AlKasasbeh, W., Jaradat, M., Almasri, A., Alobaidi, S., Hammad, A. A., Bishtawi, T., Fataftah, B., Turk, N., Saoud, H. Al, Jarrar, A., & Ghazzawi, H. (2023). Athletes’ Nutritional Demands: A Narrative Review of Nutritional Requirements. Frontiers in Nutrition, 10, 1331854. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2023.1331854 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2023.1331854
Baranauskas, M., Kupčiūnaitė, I., & Stukas, R. (2023). Dietary Intake of Protein and Essential Amino Acids for Sustainable Muscle Development in Elite Male Athletes. Nutrients, 15(18), 4003. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15184003 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15184003
Barus, J. B. N. B., Sinuraya, J. F., Simanjorang, H. Y., Sinurat, H. S., & Sitanggang, L. P. (2024). Edukasi Peningkatan Pengetahuan Atlet Gulat Junior Tentang Gizi Seimbang dan Pemenuhan Kebutuhan Cairan di Club Gulat PGSI Karo. INCOME: Indonesian Journal of Community Service and Engagement, 3(4), 210–217. https://doi.org/10.56855/income.v3i4.1248 DOI: https://doi.org/10.56855/income.v3i4.1248
Beaumont, P., Garrett, J., & Van Den Hoek, D. (2024). How Do Intracompetition Strategies Differ between Para Powerlifting Podium and Nonpodium Athletes? A Retrospective, Cross-Sectional Analysis. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 38(3), 584–591. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000004665 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000004665
Burke, L. M. (2021). Nutritional Approaches to Counter Performance Constraints in High-Level Sports Competition. Experimental Physiology, 106(12), 2304–2323. https://doi.org/10.1113/EP088188 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1113/EP088188
Burke, L. M., Castell, L. M., Casa, D. J., Close, G. L., Costa, R. J. S., Melin, A. K., Sygo, J., Desbrow, B., Peeling, P., Witard, O. C., Halson, S. L., Saunders, P. U., Bermon, S., Lis, D. M., Slater, G. J., & Stellingwerff, T. (2019). International Association of Athletics Federations Consensus Statement 2019: Nutrition for Athletics. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 29(2), 73–84. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijsnem.2019-0065 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1123/ijsnem.2019-0065
Capra, M. E., Stanyevic, B., Giudice, A., Monopoli, D., Decarolis, N. M., Esposito, S., & Biasucci, G. (2024). Nutrition for Children and Adolescents Who Practice Sport: A Narrative Review. Nutrients, 16(16), 2803. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16162803 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16162803
Carbone, J. W., & Pasiakos, S. M. (2019). Dietary Protein and Muscle Mass: Translating Science to Application and Health Benefit. Nutrients, 11(5), 1136. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11051136 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11051136
Cintineo, H. P., Arent, M. A., Antonio, J., & Arent, S. M. (2018). Effects of Protein Supplementation on Performance and Recovery in Resistance and Endurance Training. Frontiers in Nutrition, 5, 400140. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2018.00083 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2018.00083
Das, S., Barman, S., & Barman, S. (2024). Identification of Body Composition Among Sports Persons. Examining Physiology, Nutrition, and Body Composition in Sports Science, 67–110. https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3693-6317-1.ch003 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3693-6317-1.ch003
Drew, M. K., Toohey, L. A., Smith, M., Baugh, C. M., Carter, H., McPhail, S. M., Jacobsson, J., Timpka, T., & Appaneal, R. (2023). Health Systems in High-Performance Sport: Key Functions to Protect Health and Optimize Performance in Elite Athletes. Sports Medicine, 53(8), 1479–1489. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-023-01855-8 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-023-01855-8
Durguerian, A., Bougard, C., Drogou, C., Sauvet, F., Chennaoui, M., & Filaire, E. (2016). Weight Loss, Performance and Psychological Related States in High-level Weightlifters. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 37(3), 230–238. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0035-1555852 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0035-1555852
Hasanpouri, A., Rahmani, B., Gharakhanlou, B. J., Solaimanian, S., Shahsavari, S., Rasouli, A., Abbasi, S., Ebrahimi-Kalan, A., Rouzitalab, T., Hoseinabadi, Z., & Shiri-Shahsavar, M. R. (2023). Nutritional Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Professional Athletes in An Iranian Population (A Cross-Sectional Study). BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation, 15(1), 164. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-023-00776-3 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-023-00776-3
Heaney, S., O’Connor, H., Michael, S., Gifford, J., & Naughton, G. (2011). Nutrition Knowledge in Athletes: a Systematic Review. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 21(3), 248–261. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijsnem.21.3.248 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1123/ijsnem.21.3.248
Iwasa-Madge, K., & Sesbreno, E. (2022). A Proposed Conceptual Sport Nutrition Approach for Athlete Development and Assessment: The Athlete Nutrition Development Approach. Sports Medicine - Open, 8(1), 142. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40798-022-00532-w DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40798-022-00532-w
Jagim, A. R., Fields, J. B., Magee, M., Kerksick, C., Luedke, J., Erickson, J., & Jones, M. T. (2021). The Influence of Sport Nutrition Knowledge on Body Composition and Perceptions of Dietary Requirements In Collegiate Athletes. Nutrients, 13(7), 2239. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13072239 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13072239
Jenner, S. L., Trakman, G., Coutts, A., Kempton, T., Ryan, S., Forsyth, A., & Belski, R. (2018). Dietary Intake of Professional Australian Football Athletes Surrounding Body Composition Assessment. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 15(1), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-018-0248-5 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-018-0248-5
Kanaan, M. F., Nait-Yahia, S., & Doucet, É. (2025). The Effects of High Protein Intakes during Energy Restriction on Body Composition, Energy Metabolism and Physical Performance in Recreational Athletes. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 79, 544–552. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41430-025-01585-2 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41430-025-01585-2
Kliemann, N., Wardle, J., Johnson, F., & Croker, H. (2016). Reliability and Validity of a Revised Version of The General Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 70(10), 1174–1180. https://doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2016.87 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2016.87
Kontele, I., & Vassilakou, T. (2021). Nutritional Risks Among Adolescent Athletes with Disordered Eating. Children, 8(8), 715. https://doi.org/10.3390/children8080715 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/children8080715
Leonhardt, T. P. M., Chilibeck, P. D., Ko, J., & Zello, G. A. (2024). Nutrition Knowledge and Dietary Adequacy in Powerlifters. Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 38(11), 1924–1932. https://doi.org/10.1519/jsc.0000000000004887 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000004887
Loncarica, M. L. (2016). Nutritional Knowledge and Dietary Practices among Division I Athletes: Do College Athletes Understand and Fulfill Sex Specific Nutritional and Metabolic Requirements?. Thesis. Syracuse University
Macuh, M., Levec, J., Kojić, N., & Knap, B. (2023). Dietary Intake, Body Composition and Performance of Professional Football Athletes in Slovenia. Nutrients, 15(1), 82. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15010082 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15010082
Magee, M. K., Jones, M. T., Fields, J. B., Kresta, J., Khurelbaatar, C., Dodge, C., Merfeld, B., Ambrosius, A., Carpenter, M., & Jagim, A. R. (2023). Body Composition, Energy Availability, Risk of Eating Disorder, and Sport Nutrition Knowledge in Young Athletes. Nutrients, 15(6), 1502. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15061502 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15061502
Mancone, S., Corrado, S., Tosti, B., Spica, G., Di Siena, F., Misiti, F., & Diotaiuti, P. (2024). Enhancing Nutritional Knowledge and Self-Regulation among Adolescents: Efficacy of a Multifaceted Food Literacy Intervention. Frontiers in Psychology, 15, 1405414. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1405414 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1405414
Marquart, L. F., Cohen, E. A., & Short, S. H. (2022). Nutrition Knowledge of Athletes and Their Coaches and Surveys of Dietary Intake. Nutrition in Exercise and Sport (pp. 559–595). CRC Press. https://doi.org/10.1201/9780367813499-23 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1201/9780367813499-23
Parducho, H. (2024). Relationships Between Energy Availability, Dietary Restraint, and Body Image Concerns Among Olympic Weightlifters. California State University.
Perez-Montilla, J. J., Cuevas-Cervera, M., Gonzalez-Muñoz, A., Garcia-Rios, M. C., & Navarro-Ledesma, S. (2022). Efficacy of Nutritional Strategies on the Improvement of the Performance and Health of the Athlete: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(7), 4240. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19074240 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19074240
Rossi, F. E., Landreth, A., Beam, S., Jones, T., Norton, L., & Cholewa, J. M. (2017). The Effects of a Sports Nutrition Education Intervention on Nutritional Status, Sport Nutrition Knowledge, Body Composition, and Performance during Off Season Training in NCAA Division I Baseball Players. Journal of Sports Science & Medicine, 16(1), 60–68. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28344452
Sasmarianto, Henjilito, R., Zulrafli, Kamarudin, & Nazirun, N. (2021). Understanding the Needs of Nutrition Intake on Athletes. Journal Sport Area, 6(2), 244–253. https://doi.org/10.25299/sportarea.2021.vol6(2).6509 DOI: https://doi.org/10.25299/sportarea.2021.vol6(2).6509
Scalvedi, M. L., Gennaro, L., Saba, A., & Rossi, L. (2021). Relationship Between Nutrition Knowledge and Dietary Intake: an Assessment among a Sample of Italian Adults. Frontiers in Nutrition, 8, 714493. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2021.714493 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2021.714493
Shaw, K. A., Zello, G. A., Rodgers, C. D., Warkentin, T. D., Baerwald, A. R., & Chilibeck, P. D. (2022). Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet and Considerations for the Athlete. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 122(5), 1163–1178. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-022-04902-w DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-022-04902-w
Silva, P., Araújo, R., Lopes, F., & Ray, S. (2023). Nutrition and Food Literacy: Framing the Challenges to Health Communication. Nutrients, 15(22), 4708. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15224708 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15224708
Sims, S. T., Kerksick, C. M., Smith-Ryan, A. E., Janse de Jonge, X. A. K., Hirsch, K. R., Arent, S. M., Hewlings, S. J., Kleiner, S. M., Bustillo, E., Tartar, J. L., Starratt, V. G., Kreider, R. B., Greenwalt, C., Rentería, L. I., Ormsbee, M. J., VanDusseldorp, T. A., Campbell, B. I., Kalman, D. S., & Antonio, J. (2023). International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: Nutritional Concerns of the Female Athlete. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 20(1), 2204066. https://doi.org/10.1080/15502783.2023.2204066 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/15502783.2023.2204066
Stokes, T., Hector, A. J., Morton, R. W., McGlory, C., & Phillips, S. M. (2018). Recent Perspectives Regarding the Role of Dietary Protein for the Promotion of Muscle Hypertrophy with Resistance Exercise Training. Nutrients, 10(2), 180. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10020180 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10020180
Trakman, G. L., Forsyth, A., Devlin, B. L., & Belski, R. (2016). A Systematic Review of Athletes’ and Coaches’ Nutrition Knowledge and Reflections on the Quality of Current Nutrition Knowledge Measures. Nutrients, 8(9). https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8090570 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8090570
Turnagöl, H. H., Koșar, Șükran N., Güzel, Y., Aktitiz, S., & Atakan, M. M. (2022). Nutritional Considerations for Injury Prevention and Recovery in Combat Sports. Nutrients, 14(1), 53. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14010053 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14010053
Vázquez-Espino, K., Rodas-Font, G., & Farran-Codina, A. (2022). Sport Nutrition Knowledge, Attitudes, Sources of Information, and Dietary Habits of Sport-Team Athletes. Nutrients, 14(7), 1345. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14071345 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14071345
West, S., Monteyne, A. J., van der Heijden, I., Stephens, F. B., & Wall, B. T. (2023). Nutritional Considerations for the Vegan Athlete. Advances in Nutrition, 14(4), 774–795. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.advnut.2023.04.012 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.advnut.2023.04.012
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
Copyright (c) 2025 Muhamad Fahmi Hasan, Tommy Apriantono, Nia Sri Ramania, Nur Luthfiatus Solikah, Gifran Latief
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium. Copyrights of all materials published in Journal Sport Area are freely available without charge to users or / institution. Users are allowed to read, download, copy, distribute, search, or link to full-text articles in this journal without asking by giving appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. All of the remix, transform, or build upon the material must distribute the contributions under the same license as the original.
Accepted 2025-07-08
Published 2025-08-16
