Assessment of Nutrition Knowledge and Its Association with Body Composition in Adults

Gizem Elvan Hacıoğlu; Mutlu Tuçe Ülker; Bilge Tekin Elkaan; Elif Nur Özen

doi:10.31067/acusaglik.1809570

Assessment of Nutrition Knowledge and Its Association with Body Composition in Adults

Abstract

Background/Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional knowledge levels of adult fitness center members and to examine the relationship between their nutritional knowledge and body composition. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 200 participants (122 females, 78 males) aged 18-65 years from a fitness center in Istanbul. Anthropometric measurements were taken, and body composition was assessed using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA). Nutritional knowledge levels were evaluated using the Nutrition Knowledge Level Scale for Adults (NKLSA). Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis were performed, with significance set at p<0.05. Results: The mean Basic Nutrition Knowledge scores were 52 for males and 53 for females, while Food Preferences scores averaged 37 and 38, respectively, indicating moderate knowledge levels. Regarding nutrition knowledge, 54.5% of the participants had a moderate level of basic nutrition knowledge, while 34.5% had a good level of knowledge about food preferences. The analysis revealed no statistically significant relationship between body fat percentage, BMI, and the scores of Basic Nutrition Knowledge and Food Preferences. The correlation coefficients were found to be very low, indicating a weak relationship between these variables. Conclusion: The findings suggest that fitness center members have moderate levels of nutritional knowledge, and this knowledge could potentially support healthier body composition. Improving nutritional knowledge may contribute to better body composition and overall health among physically active individuals.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

None

Ethical Statement

Ethical Statement: The study commenced after obtaining approval from the Istinye University Human Research Ethics Committee with the protocol number 25/01;25-83, dated 08.04.2025. All individuals included in the study were thoroughly informed about the purpose and duration of the study. Those who agreed to participate signed an informed consent form. The study was conducted in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration.

Thanks

None

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Nutritional Science , Public Health Nutrition , Sport and Exercise Nutrition

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Gizem Elvan Hacıoğlu
0009-0009-7828-0085
Türkiye

Mutlu Tuçe Ülker
0000-0002-1757-5084
Türkiye

Bilge Tekin Elkaan ^*
0000-0002-0682-169X
Türkiye

Elif Nur Özen
0009-0006-0366-5552
Türkiye

Publication Date

February 20, 2026

Submission Date

October 24, 2025

Acceptance Date

November 29, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 17 Number: January, February, March 2026

DOI

https://doi.org/10.31067/acusaglik.1809570

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA73SM54TE

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

EndNote

Hacıoğlu GE, Ülker MT, Tekin Elkaan B, Özen EN (February 1, 2026) Assessment of Nutrition Knowledge and Its Association with Body Composition in Adults. Acıbadem Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi 17 January, February, March 2026