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Protein Anxiety and Compensatory Behaviours in Resistance-Trained Individuals

This questionnaire is part of a Master’s dissertation study conducted at the ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR-NIN), Hyderabad. The study aims to understand thoughts, feelings, and behaviours related to protein intake among individuals who regularly engage in resistance training.

Your participation is voluntary. All responses will be kept strictly confidential and used only for academic and research purposes. Any contact information provided for follow-up interviews will be kept confidential and used only for research purposes. You may choose to withdraw from the study at any point before submission.

There are no right or wrong answers. Please respond honestly based on your usual experiences and behaviours. Your responses will contribute to a better understanding of protein-related perceptions and practices.

I voluntarily consent to participate in this study.

I voluntarily consent to participate in this study.
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B

Age

Gender

Gender
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B

Which city do you currently reside in?

Which city do you currently reside in?
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B

Do you have a formal Degree or Certification in Nutrition?

Do you have a formal Degree or Certification in Nutrition?
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B

What is your current occupation?

What is your current occupation?
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B
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D
E

What is your current body weight (in kg)?

What is your height (in cm)?

How long have you been regularly performing resistance training (e.g., weight training or lifting weights) ?

How long have you been regularly performing resistance training (e.g., weight training or lifting weights) ?
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How many days per week do you usually perform resistance training? (e.g., weight training or lifting weights)

How many days per week do you usually perform resistance training? (e.g., weight training or lifting weights)
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B
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D

What is your current primary fitness goal?

What is your current primary fitness goal?
General Feelings and Experiences  The following questions assess general feelings of and experiences over the past 14 days. Please select the option that best describes how often you have experienced each situation.

Over the last 14 days, how often have you been bothered by feeling nervous, anxious or on edge?

Over the last 14 days, how often have you been bothered by feeling nervous, anxious or on edge?
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B
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D

Over the last 14 days, how often have you been bothered by not being able to stop or control worrying?

Over the last 14 days, how often have you been bothered by not being able to stop or control worrying?
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D
Thoughts and Feelings Related to Protein Intake The following statements relate to your thoughts and feelings about protein intake. Instructions: Please indicate how much you agree or disagree with the following statements.

I find it hard to stop thinking about whether I am meeting my protein requirement.

I find it hard to stop thinking about whether I am meeting my protein requirement.
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B
C
D
E

I spend a lot of time thinking about my Protein intake.

I spend a lot of time thinking about my Protein intake.
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B
C
D
E

I find it difficult to decide what to eat because I think about Protein content.

I find it difficult to decide what to eat because I think about Protein content.
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B
C
D
E

I pay more attention to Protein content than to other Nutrients when choosing food.

I pay more attention to Protein content than to other Nutrients when choosing food.
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B
C
D
E

I believe that not consuming enough Protein will have serious negative effects on my body or fitness progress.

I believe that not consuming enough Protein will have serious negative effects on my body or fitness progress.
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B
C
D
E

Thoughts about my protein intake makes it difficult for me to focus on other tasks.

Thoughts about my protein intake makes it difficult for me to focus on other tasks.
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B
C
D
E

I spend a lot of time planning my meals to ensure I meet my Protein requirement.

I spend a lot of time planning my meals to ensure I meet my Protein requirement.
A
B
C
D
E

I often compare my protein intake with others (e.g., gym members, friends, or influencers).

I worry too much about whether I am consuming enough protein. 
Note: Worry refers to repeatedly thinking about something with concern.

I worry too much about whether I am consuming enough protein. Note: Worry refers to repeatedly thinking about something with concern.
A
B
C
D
E

I feel tense when I think I have not consumed enough protein.
Note: Tense refers to feeling unable to relax or feeling tight.

I feel tense when I think I have not consumed enough protein.Note: Tense refers to feeling unable to relax or feeling tight.
A
B
C
D
E

I feel concerned about the consequences of not consuming enough protein.
Note: Concerned refers to feeling troubled or bothered about something.

I feel concerned about the consequences of not consuming enough protein.Note: Concerned refers to feeling troubled or bothered about something.
A
B
C
D
E

I feel upset if I think my protein intake is not sufficient. 
Note: Upset refers to feeling emotionally disturbed or affected.

I feel upset if I think my protein intake is not sufficient. Note: Upset refers to feeling emotionally disturbed or affected.
A
B
C
D
E
Dietary Practices Related to Protein Intake When you feel that your protein intake is lower than intended, how often do you engage in the following behaviours?

I plan my meals in advance to ensure adequate Protein intake.

I plan my meals in advance to ensure adequate Protein intake.
A
B
C
D
E

I closely track my Protein intake to ensure that I meet my daily target

I closely track my Protein intake to ensure that I meet my daily target
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B
C
D
E

I prioritize Protein intake over other nutrients when planning my meals.

I prioritize Protein intake over other nutrients when planning my meals.
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B
C
D
E

I replace a regular meal with a Higher-Protein meal to make up for low Protein.

I replace a regular meal with a Higher-Protein meal to make up for low Protein.
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B
C
D
E

I increase my protein intake later within the same day.

I increase my protein intake later within the same day.
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B
C
D
E

I consume Protein supplements (e.g., protein shakes or bars) to make up for low protein intake.

I consume Protein supplements (e.g., protein shakes or bars) to make up for low protein intake.
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B
C
D
E

I increase my protein intake on the next day to compensate.

I increase my protein intake on the next day to compensate.
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B
C
D
E

I consume protein-rich foods (e.g., eggs, chicken, paneer, tofu) even when I am not hungry

I consume protein-rich foods (e.g., eggs, chicken, paneer, tofu) even when I am not hungry
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B
C
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E
Factors Influencing Protein Intake Decisions This section asks about how much different factors influence your decisions about protein intake. Please indicate the extent to which each factor affects your choices.

To what extent do the following factors influence your decisions about protein intake?

Not at all
Slightly
Moderately
Very Much
Extremely
Fitness trainers or coaches
Social media influencers
Online fitness content (e.g., YouTube, blogs)
Friends or gym peers
Protein supplement advertisements / marketing via influencers
Promotion of High-protein packaged food products (e.g., protein bars, drinks, snacks
Dietitians or nutrition professionals
Personal knowledge or self-research

Where do you primarily get your nutrition-related information or advice? (Select all that apply)

Where do you primarily get your nutrition-related information or advice? (Select all that apply)

Would you be willing to participate in a brief 10-minute follow-up interview for this study?

Would you be willing to participate in a brief 10-minute follow-up interview for this study?
A
B