CASE REPORT Open Access i t

Full list of author information is available at the end of the articleDuring bodybuilding competitions individuals are assessed on their physical or ‘aesthetic ’ appearance and are usually required to demonstrate a high degree of muscularity and symmetry, as well as low levels of body fat. Careful atten-tion to nutrition and exercise conditioning is undoubtedly important in facilitating the process of becoming ‘compe-tition ready’. Frequently used methods by those preparing for contest include chronic energy restriction, dehydration use of diuretics and supplements of anabolic steroids and ‘fat burners ’ [1]. These methods pose the risk of adverse health consequences that can be physiological (i.e., de-creased bone mineral density [2], metabolic disruption [3], increased cardiovascular strain [4]), hormonal [5,6] and/or psychological (i.e. anger, anxiety, loss of eating control/ binge eating, pre-occupation with food, short temper [1], mood disturbance [6]), in nature. Competitors may also suffer a reduction in their muscular function, strength and power during the preparation phase of competition [6,7], * Correspondence