Consumption of nutritional supplements by teenagers attending gyms supplements and exercise in teenagers

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the supplements used by adolescents in gyms in the city of São Paulo and the factors related to their use. Methods: Participants were 1,012 adolescents of both sexes, aged between 13 and 18 years old, all of them regular regulars at gyms in the city of São Paulo. For data collection, a questionnaire was used to identify the main supplements consumed by adolescents. The chi-square test was used to verify possible associations with a significance of p12 months). The amount of exercise modalities practiced in the gym was inversely associated with the use of supplements. Male adolescents consumed significantly more supplements than females, and Physical Education professionals, friends and parents were the ones who most influenced adolescents to use supplements. The main supplements used by the boys were carbohydrate gel (90.9%) and hypercaloric (94.5%). In girls it was fat burner (55.0%) and vitamins and minerals (50.0%). Conclusion: The use of supplements was common among adolescents who exercise in gyms in São Paulo and the indication was made by physical education professional. RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever os suplementos utilizados por adolescentes em academias da cidade de São Paulo e os fatores relacionados à sua utilização. Métodos: Participaram 1.012 adolescentes de ambos os sexos, com idade variando entre 13 e 18 anos, sendo todos frequentadores regulares de academias de ginástica na cidade de São Paulo. Para coletada de dados, foi utilizado um questionário com objetivo de identificar os principais suplementos consumidos pelos adolescentes. Utilizou-se o teste Qui Quadrado para verificar possíveis associações com significância de p12 meses). A quantidade de modalidades de exercício praticada na academia esteve inversamente associada ao uso de suplementos. Adolescentes do sexo masculino consumiram significativamente mais suplementos do que o sexo feminino, e, os profissionais de Educação Física, amigos e pais foram os que mais influenciaram os adolescentes para o uso de supleme