Abstract
Background:
Protein supplements have become a widespread practice amongst athletes
and gym users worldwide. However, studies on the use of protein supplements among
female gym users in Saudi Arabia are lacking.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of protein supplement usage
among female gym users and their attitudes towards protein supplementation in Riyadh city,
Saudi Arabia.
Methods:
In this cross-sectional study, 502 female gym users aged ≥18 years completed a
structured, self-administered online questionnaire on the usage of protein supplementation. Socio-
demographic information, anthropometry, health status, exercise frequency, attitudes and
knowledge regarding protein supplements were obtained.
Results:
The overall prevalence rate of protein supplement use among the study respondents
was 36.3%. There were significant associations between the use of protein supplements and
educational level (p< 0.05), the duration of being a gym member (p< 0.05) and frequency of
gym visits per week (p< 0.05). Whey protein was the predominantly used supplement (57.8%),
and the reason attributed to the use of protein supplement was muscle building (53.9%). The
main sources of information regarding protein supplement use included the internet (30.2%)
followed by gym coaches (25.3%).
Conclusion:
Our findings demonstrated that a considerable number of females exercising in
gyms use protein supplements, and most rely on unreliable sources for decision-making of protein
supplements use. Nutritional education and consultations regarding protein supplement use
are warranted.