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Dietary diversity (DD) is a proxy indicator of nutrient adequacy and has been propagated as a health beneficial component of dietary behavior. This study aims to understand DD and its association with lipid indices among Indian Kho-Kho players.

In all, 50 Indian Kho-Kho players aged between 16 years and 31 years belonging to different regions of India were recruited. Dietary diversity score (DDS; food groups/day) and food variety score (FVS; number of food items/day) were considered to assess the DD. The United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization food frequency questionnaire was used as a tool. Serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), LDL, VLDL and HDL were measured.

The DDS and FVS showed that athletes were consuming approximately 7 of 9 food groups (Mean ± SD: 6.5 ± 1.3) and 27 varieties of foods (Mean ± SD:27.0 ± 8.6) from 9 food groups per day. This study could not find significant differences for DDS and FVS among athletes belonging to different regions. FVSs of organ meat, eggs and spices and condiments were significantly positively associated with TG (p < 0.036, p < 0.020 and p < 0.001) and VLDL (p < 0.054, p < 0.021 and p < 0.001). LDL was inversely significantly associated with FVS of cereals, white root and tubers (p < 0.032).

DDS and FVS were not associated with lipid indices among Kho-Kho players. However, individual FVS of organ meat, eggs and spices and condiments may increase TG and VLDL. Optimum consumption of cereals and root tubers may help to maintain LDL levels among Kho-Kho players.

It was found that daily consumption of organ meat and eggs may increase TG and VLDL, and optimum consumption of cereals and white roots and tubers may help to maintain LDL. High energy and fat foods may act as mediators along with spices and condiments in increasing TG and VLDL.

The potential problems of Kho-Kho players have been less studied. Considering eating disorders a public health problem, but also in particular for athletes, as it can cause serious health and performance decrements if left unmonitored. This study aims to determine the prevalence of disordered eating attitude and their relationship with mental health among Indian Kho-Kho players.

Fifty-two male Kho-Kho players aged 16–31 years were assessed for disordered eating attitude using Eating Attitude Test (EAT)-26 and mental health using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and t-test were computed to know the difference between positive and negative disordered eating attitude.

The disordered eating attitude was prevalent among 11.5% of players. The players with disordered eating attitudes showed a significantly (p < 0.01) higher score for EAT-26 subscales related to dieting and oral control. Players were involved in binging (21.2%), purging (5.8%), use of laxatives (1.9%), extra exercise (>1 h) (34.6%) and lost >20 pounds of body weight in the last six months (13.5%). Depression, anxiety and stress were higher in the group with a disordered eating attitude. However, a significant difference (p < 0.01) was found only for depression.

The disordered eating attitude was present among Kho-Kho Players and linked with depression. Health care service providers are encouraged to monitor and guide the players with disordered eating attitudes to take active measures to ensure optimum health and performance.

The present paper provides evidence of disordered eating attitude linked with depression among Kho-Kho players.