Body Mass Index in Female Spanish Olympic Athletes

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the Body Mass Index of 180 female Spanish Olympic athletes ( M age = 27.1 yr., SD = 5.9 yr.) who participate in presentation sports and nonpresentation sports, in comparison with 114 female nonathletes ( M age = 20.7, SD = 1.5 yr.). Presentation sports athletes have a profile similar to that of a university student but by age with a lower Body Mass Index. In particular, rhythmic gymnasts have a lower weight and Body Mass Index than other athletes and nonathletes.