Rapid weight loss among elite-level judo athletes: methods and nutrition in relation to competition performance
Štangar M, Štangar A, Shtyrba V, Cigić B, Benedik E
Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition · 24 citations
How it was studied
- Design
- Cross-sectional study (classified by our AI screen)
- Studied in
- People
- Main outcome
- Health markers and function
Who paid for it
- Funding
- Independent funding
- Government
- Javna Agencija za Raziskovalno Dejavnost RS
- Government
- Slovenian Research Agency
- Grants
- Javna Agencija za Raziskovalno Dejavnost RS (P3-0395); Javna Agencija za Raziskovalno Dejavnost RS ((research core fuding no. P3-0343); Javna Agencija za Raziskovalno Dejavnost RS (P4-0121)
Based on 2 listed funder(s) and full-text disclosure statement.
Publication
- Published
- 2022-07-13 · J Int Soc Sports Nutr · vol. 19 · issue 1 · pp. 380–396
- Publisher
- Springer Science+Business Media
- Cited
- 41 citations · more than 92% of similar papers · 2.8× the field average
- Impact
- Top 10% most cited in its field
- References
- 32 works
- Access
- Open access (journal) · CC-BY
- Research areas
- Thermoregulation and physiological responses · Exercise and Physiological Responses · Muscle metabolism and nutrition
- Keywords
- Clinical nutrition, Athletes, Medicine, Competition (biology), Sports medicine, Elite athletes, Physical therapy, Elite, Sports nutrition, Weight loss, Relation (database), Gerontology, Physical medicine and rehabilitation, Obesity, Internal medicine
- MeSH
- humans, weight gain, weight loss, nutritional status, martial arts, female, male, athletes
5 authors
From SI
- Maruša ŠtangarUniversity of Ljubljana; Ministry of Defence
- Anja ŠtangarUniversity of Ljubljana; Ljubljana University Medical Centre
- Volha Shtyrba
- Blaž CigićUniversity of Ljubljana
- Evgen Benedik · correspondingUniversity of Ljubljana; Ljubljana University Medical Centre
Abstract
Background
Rapid weight loss (RWL) followed by rapid weight gain (RWG) is a regular pre-competition routine in combat sports and weightlifting. With the prevalence of these sports exceeding 20% at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, there are limited data on RWL and RWG practices and their impact on well-being and competitive success in elite-level athletes.
Methods
A total of 138 elite-level female and male judokas, 7.7% of the athletes ranked as top 150 on the International Judo Federation Senior World Ranking List (WRL), completed a survey on RWL, RWG, and the consequences of these practices.
Results
Our findings showed that 96% of the respondents practice RWL. The average reduced body mass percentage was 5.8 ± 2.3%. Respondents who used either of the dehydration methods - fluid restriction, sauna suit, and/or sauna/hot bath - to reduce weight were 88%, 85%, and 76%, respectively. Furthermore, 91% of the respondents reported reduced energy as a negative consequence of RWL and 21% experienced a collapse episode during the RWL period. Respondents ranked 1-20 on the WRL experienced fewer negative consequences of RWL and RWG (p = 0.002) and had more dietitian and/or medical doctor support (p = 0.040) than lower-ranked respondents. Those who started with RWL practices before the age of 16 (38%) were ranked lower on the WRL (p = 0.004) and reported more negative consequences of RWL and RWG (p = 0.014).
Conclusions
This study is the first to provide insight into the RWL practices of worldwide elite-level judokas and provides valuable information for the combat sports society, especially coaches. Proper weight management and optimal timed initiation of RWL practices in a judoka's career may contribute to success at the elite level.
Abstract via Europe PMC. Copyright remains with the authors or publisher (CC BY).
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