The Impact of Dietary Choices on The Nutritional Status of College Going Vegetarian and Non-vegetarian Male Athletes

Athletes are individuals who compete in one or more sports that require physical abilities, stamina, and speed. Intense physical training, regular exercise, and adherence to a strict diet are all ways that athletes, keep their bodies in good shape. The primary goal of this study was to assess and compare nutritional status of vegetarian and non-vegetarian athletes. The study was carried out on the university grounds of the Udaipur district in Rajasthan. A total of 150 respondents were chosen, 50 per cent vegetarian and 50 per cent non-vegetarian, between the age of 18 and 25 years. The study’s findings indicate that there was significant difference in Body Mass Index (BMI), but there was no significant difference in Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR) between vegetarian and non-vegetarian athletes. Mean BMI of vegetarian athletes was comparatively lower then non-vegetarian. Overall, the findings suggest that both vegetarian and nonvegetarian diets can support a healthy weight and fat distribution for athletes, although vegetarians might have a slight edge in weight management.