Evaluation of Dietary Habits and Protein Intake Patterns Among Gym Attendees from Punjab, Pakistan

Protein is one of the major supplements consumed among resistance training professionals, and its supplementation is associated with improved health and sports performance. However, dietary patterns, the use of supplements and their interrelationship have not been adequately investigated. The present study aims to assess the dietary habits and use of protein supplements among gym attendees in Punjab using a descriptive cross-sectional survey.For the study, a structured questionnaire was administered to 394 gym attendees using an interview-based approach, following informed consent. Frequency distributions were used to assess protein supplement use and demographic characteristics. The association between supplement use and dietary intake was analysed using the chi-square test in SPSS, with the level of significance set at 5%.Study findings indicated that overall protein supplement consumption was 40.6% among individuals in city centres and 22.9% in suburbs. Protein supplement use was higher among males than females. Non-users of supplements consumed more legumes than supplement users. The consumption of cheese, eggs, and fish was higher among supplement users compared to non-users. About one-third of the gym attendees also consumed unhealthy food items (bakery products and snacks).Overall, protein intake was higher among supplement users compared to non-users. The majority of gym attendees were unaware of basic nutrition knowledge and the principles of sports nutrition, and they followed the common misconception of a high-protein diet (from both food and supplements).