Study on Nutritional Status and Changing Trend of Air Force Pilots

Objective To understand the nutritional status of air force pilots and explore its changing trend, so as to provide scientific basis for guiding reasonable nutrition and improving operational performance of the air force pilots. Methods 125–147 male pilots were included in the study. The energy intake was estimated by weighing method. The energy consumption was assessed by life observation method. The body mass index (BMI) was calculated by height and weight. Serum total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) were determined by double reagent enzyme method. The results were compared with that of nutrition survey for air force pilots in 1997 and 2007. Results The average daily energy intake and consumption was 3375.2 kcal and 3091.5 kcal, respectively. Protein, fat, and carbohydrate provided 17.4%, 43.9%, and 38.7% of the daily energy intake, respectively. The incidence of underweight, overweight, and obesity was 4.8%, 16.8%, and 4.0%, while the prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia was 31.2% and 36.1%, respectively. The nutritional status of air force pilots changed a lot compared with that of 1997. However, the situation seemed to be improved compared with that of 2007. Conclusions The dietary pattern of air force pilots was not reasonable and the incidence of overweight, obesity, and dyslipidemia was high. Nutritional intervention and guidance should be strengthened.