A cross-sectional study about the knowledge in nutrition and weight loss among fitness instructors in Milan (Italy)

The aim of this preliminary study was to evaluate nutritional knowledge of instructors working in Milan. Fitness trainers are a resource for the general public to obtain exercise information, exercise prescription and guidance. The demand for nutritional advice is strong and fitness instructors are well positioned to respond. A questionnaire containing closed- and open-ended questions was filled by 43 instructors working in the 18 participating centres. 96% gave nutritional advice and 49% established diet plans. Rates of correct answers were: 63% for the “right or wrong” questions, 52% for the closed-ended questions, 33% for the multiple choice questions, 24% for the open-ended questions, 8% for the consumption recommendations. 58% of instructors self-rated their nutritional knowledge as insufficient. In several countries lack of formal training requirements for fitness personnel makes adequate counselling difficult.