Athletic performance relies on optimal body composition that supports biomechanics and bioenergetics of sport. Limited research exists on dietary acculturation and body composition changes in Division I female international student-athletes. PURPOSE: To investigate the impact of dietary acculturation levels and increased food availability on the body composition of Division I female international student-athletes. METHODS: Eighteen female NCAA Division I female international student-athletes (18-25 years) from 14 countries and 5 sports participated. Retrospective Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) body composition data were accessed at baseline, 6 months, 12 months, and most recent scan. Dietary acculturation and food availability were assessed using the Female International Student-Athlete Questionnaire (FISAQ; n=15). Diet quality was measured using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2015; n=13), Paired t-tests examined changes in fat mass over time. Pearson correlations evaluated relationships among dietary acculturation, food availability, and body composition variables. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. RESULTS: Fat mass increased significantly from baseline to 6 months (n=12; +3.01 ± 4.41 lbs.; p=0.037), with 83.3% of participants demonstrating weight gain. From 6-12 months and baseline to most recent scan, changes were not statistically significant (baseline to most recent: n=7; +4.24 ± 6.00 lbs.; p=0.111). Dietary acculturation scores were positively correlated with fat-free mass gain in the first year (r=0.81; p=0.049; n=6). Participants residing in the U.S. for the first time demonstrated higher acculturation scores (58.22) compared to those with prior U.S. residence (42.83; p=0.019). Food availability scores showed small, non-significant correlations with fat mass gain (r=0.47; p=0.351) and fat-free mass gain (r=0.23; p=0.666). The mean HEI-2015 score was 68.23 ± 10.7, with a total of 84.6% student-athletes scoring below 80. CONCLUSION: The first 6 months following U.S. arrival represent a critical period for fat mass gain in female international student-athletes. Higher dietary acculturation was associated with greater fat-free mass gain. Early nutrition screening and structured support from sports dietitians may assist international student-athletes during their dietary transition.
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