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Int Rev Sociol Sport. Sansone RA, Sawyer R: Weight loss pressure on a 5 year old wrestler. Artioli GG, Franchini E, Lancha Junior AH: Perda de peso em esportes de combate de domínio: revisão e recomendações aplicadas; Weight loss in grappling combat sports: review and applied recommendations.

Rev Bras Cineantropom Desempenho Hum. Clarke KS: Utilization of the Tcheng-Tipton Method of Predicting Desirable Weight of High School Wrestlers. AMA: American Medical Association.

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Download references. Martial Arts and Combat Sports Research Group, School of Physical Education and Sport, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil. Center for Research in Sport Performance and Health NEDES , Federal University of Sergipe, Sergipe, Brazil. Laboratory of Applied Nutrition and Metabolism, School of Physical Education and Sport, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.

You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar. Correspondence to Emerson Franchini. All authors have written the first draft of the manuscript, revised it and approved its final version.

This article is published under license to BioMed Central Ltd. Reprints and permissions. Franchini, E. Weight loss in combat sports: physiological, psychological and performance effects. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 9 , 52 Download citation.

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Download PDF. Download ePub. Abstract Background The present article briefly reviews the weight loss processes in combat sports. Methods This review was performed in the databases MedLine, Lilacs, PubMed and SciELO, and organized into sub-topics: 1 prevalence, magnitude and procedures, 2 psychological, physiological and performance effects, 3 possible strategies to avoid decreased performance 4 organizational strategies to avoid such practices.

Conclusion Recommendations during different training phases, educational and organizational approaches are presented to deal with or to avoid RWL.

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PubMed Google Scholar Smith MS, Dyson R, Hale T, Harrison JH, McManus P: The effects in humans of rapid loss of body mass on a boxing-related task. PubMed Central PubMed Google Scholar Oopik V, Paasuke M, Sikku T, Timpmann S, Medijainen L, Ereline J, Smirnova T, Gapejeva E: Effect of rapid weight loss on metabolism and isokinetic performance capacity.

CAS PubMed Google Scholar Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Hyperthermia and dehydration-related deaths associated with intentional rapid weight loss in three collegiate wrestlers-North Carolina, Wisconsin, and Michigan, November-December In these situations, athletes should choose carbohydrate sources with a high GI for example white bread, white rice, white potatoes in the first half hour or so after exercise.

This should be continued until the normal meal pattern resumes. Since most athletes develop a fluid deficit during exercise, replenishment of fluids post-exercise is also a very important consideration for optimal recovery.

It is recommended that athletes consume 1. Protein is an important part of a training diet and plays a key role in post-exercise recovery and repair.

Protein needs are generally met and often exceeded by most athletes who consume sufficient energy in their diet. The amount of protein recommended for sporting people is only slightly higher than that recommended for the general public.

For athletes interested in increasing lean mass or muscle protein synthesis, consumption of a high-quality protein source such as whey protein or milk containing around 20 to 25 g protein in close proximity to exercise for example, within the period immediately to 2 hours after exercise may be beneficial.

As a general approach to achieving optimal protein intakes, it is suggested to space out protein intake fairly evenly over the course of a day, for instance around 25 to 30 g protein every 3 to 5 hours, including as part of regular meals. There is currently a lack of evidence to show that protein supplements directly improve athletic performance.

Therefore, for most athletes, additional protein supplements are unlikely to improve sport performance. A well-planned diet will meet your vitamin and mineral needs. Supplements will only be of any benefit if your diet is inadequate or you have a diagnosed deficiency, such as an iron or calcium deficiency.

There is no evidence that extra doses of vitamins improve sporting performance. Nutritional supplements can be found in pill, tablet, capsule, powder or liquid form, and cover a broad range of products including:.

Before using supplements, you should consider what else you can do to improve your sporting performance — diet, training and lifestyle changes are all more proven and cost effective ways to improve your performance.

Relatively few supplements that claim performance benefits are supported by sound scientific evidence.

Use of vitamin and mineral supplements is also potentially dangerous. Supplements should not be taken without the advice of a qualified health professional.

The ethical use of sports supplements is a personal choice by athletes, and it remains controversial. If taking supplements, you are also at risk of committing an anti-doping rule violation no matter what level of sport you play.

Dehydration can impair athletic performance and, in extreme cases, may lead to collapse and even death. Drinking plenty of fluids before, during and after exercise is very important. Fluid intake is particularly important for events lasting more than 60 minutes, of high intensity or in warm conditions.

Water is a suitable drink, but sports drinks may be required, especially in endurance events or warm climates. Sports drinks contain some sodium, which helps absorption.

While insufficient hydration is a problem for many athletes, excess hydration may also be potentially dangerous. In rare cases, athletes might consume excessive amounts of fluids that dilute the blood too much, causing a low blood concentration of sodium.

This condition is called hyponatraemia, which can potentially lead to seizures, collapse, coma or even death if not treated appropriately. Consuming fluids at a level of to ml per hour of exercise might be a suitable starting point to avoid dehydration and hyponatraemia, although intake should ideally be customised to individual athletes, considering variable factors such as climate, sweat rates and tolerance.

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The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website. The most common methods used by athletes are sauna bathing and wearing plastic clothing, fluid and caloric restriction, and the intake of diuretics and laxatives Shortly after athletes intentionally reduce their body mass to meet specific weight category requirements, they initiate rapid weight regain RWG strategies following the official weigh-in, resulting in a swift and considerable increase in body mass 9 , Interestingly it has been shown recently that catabolic hormonal reactions that occurred during the calorie restriction were maintained after the RWG intervention.

RWL significantly decreases testosterone and thyroid-stimulating hormone concentration among Muay Thai fighters. Additionally, no restoration after the RWG process was observed. Moreover, the above mentioned hormonal modulation may affect behavioral changes such as self-confidence, fighting motivation, competition anxiety, or mental toughness These strategies can also potentially lead not only to diminished physical performance but also causes health risks, especially when considered that young judo athletes also engage in such practices 6.

In more severe cases, deaths have been reported in athletes using RWL procedures, likely due to heat stress, dehydration and hyperthermia. Thus, for safety reasons changes in weight control programs of combat sports were suggest several times 18 , The National Collegiate Athletic Association NCAA initiated new rules, to prevent resulting from RWL tragedies, by checking athletes hydration status at the time of weight certification, and authors reported decreased RWL procedures and rapid weight gain in wrestlers However, little is known regarding the impact of these new rules on the RWL, RWG and hydration status in judo athletes in the days approaching the competition, at the weigh-in and at the competition.

So far, only one study was found investigating the hydration status of judo athletes according to the new weigh-in rules These authors measured the hydration status of eight judo athletes one week before, at the official weigh-in and 24 h post-competition.

They reported that athletes reduced 6. They also reported a significant difference in urine specific gravity between the official weigh-in 1. However, it is important to emphasize that this study was conducted with only 8 judo athletes and did not include a measurement in the competition day; therefore, studies with a higher sample size, and measurements in the competition day are needed.

Thus, the purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of new IJF rules on RWL, RWG, and hydration status of the judo athletes during a national competition, as well as their performance.

Moreover, the dehydration that often accompanies rapid weight loss due to limited fluid intake and exposure to heat would affect competition performance. A post-hoc Bonferroni test analysis: 5 day vs. Values displayed on panels A , C are means, and panel B , D represents individual data for each subject.

For hydration status determination the urine osmolality U OSM and urinary specific gravity U SG have been analyzed. Urine osmolality U OSM A , B and Urine specific gravity U sg C , D changes before weigh-in, competition day, and after warm-up.

A red highlighted axis on panels B , D indicates dehydration. Nevertheless, Association between competitive performance expressed in the percentage of possible to win fights and the dehydration state expressed in the average values of all measurement time points for Urine osmolality U OSM A and Urine specific gravity U sg B.

The main findings of the present study indicated that all athletes who participated in this investigation practiced RWL, and that the most used methods were increased exercise and decreased fluid and food intake. All athletes achieved the limit of their weight category. Conversely, percentage of matches won did not correlate significantly with any body mass, UOSM or USG variables.

The fact that all athletes in the present study used RWL strategies is similar to a recent finding with judo athletes taking part in the competitions of the judo world ranking system i. The high prevalence of athletes using RWL strategies may be due to the weigh-in rule change, which now allow the athletes to recover during 15—17 h instead of the usual 3—4 h allowed before.

Additionally, judo athletes may have observed that a high percentage of the athletes is using RWL, and not using it would result in a disadvantage in competition. This perception that using RWL may result in competitive advantage 23 and the cascade effect was already observed and criticized by some authors However, it is important to consider that, in the present study, body mass measurements were conducted from 5 days to the competition up to the competition, and some athletes may have started to reduce their body mass before this period.

Conversely, only The methods used for athletes in our sample were similar to previously reported for judo athletes from different countries 25 , 26 , As some investigations 28 observed that older athletes and coaches are among the most influential people regarding the practice of RWL by judo athletes, it seems that the use of these methods is passed through generations of athletes.

Therefore, educational programs should aim at increasing the athletes, coaches and parents awareness about nutritional strategies of healthier ways to properly manage body mass reduction and its regain after weigh-in. However, the advice of experts usually ended up on body mass reduction without specific intervention regarding rehydration after the weigh-in and for the competition day, what was reflected in the survey.

As consequence of the lack of education concerning these aspects, judo athletes started competition in a dehydrated condition and were still dehydrated at the end of event.

Most of the athletes in our study reported that they were drinking fluids only when being thirst, but it seems that the physical and psychological stress during the competition day made the athletes to ignore the signs of dehydration such as thirst.

Moreover, intense exercise in heavy clothing, like warming up wearing judogi judo suit and other sportswear, can cause further progressive reduction of the plasma volume The fact that UOSM and USG did not change during the period of measurements indicate that the judo athletes investigated are either constantly mildly dehydrated or started their body mass reduction more than 5 days before the competition.

Independently of the reason for the absence of change on these variables, it is important to emphasize that athletes were dehydrated along all the time-points analyzed, i. The amount of body mass recovered by the athletes in the present study was similar to that reported in a recent study analyzing international-level judo athletes post-competition 4.

For that study, however, judo athletes presented a lower USG h post-competition compared with the weigh-in measurement Thus, the additional h given in the study by Ceylan et al. may have contributed to this higher re-hydration No correlation was found between any of body mass, UOSM, and USG variables and percentage of matches won.

This differs from the study from Reale et al. However, these authors did not observe any difference for body mass regain in the first round matches, even though winners had a higher body mass regain than losers when all matches were considered.

However, the small sample in the present study is a limitation to determine the influence of RWL and RWG on judo competitive performance.

Considering the high prevalence of RWL observed in our study and the methods used during the RWL process, it is important that athletes, coaches and competition managers be educated regarding more effective and scientifically-based approaches 17 , 32 , and that weight management control programs, such as those suggested by Artioli et al.

be implemented This study is not without limitations. Firstly, a small sample size was applied. Secondly, the study focused solely on male participants. Thirdly, the absence of a control group non-RWL restricts comprehensive analysis.

However, both enlarging the sample size and incorporating female athletes present notable challenges. Our study was conducted before and during major national sports competitions, during which athletes are subjected to a multitude of factors that might impact their performance.

As a result, they tend to be hesitant about participating in such experiments. Furthermore, due to variations in the menstrual cycle timing often disrupted by extreme training loads , which can influence hormonal changes regulating fluid balance and body mass, studying female athletes becomes even more complex Nevertheless, future experiments should consider increasing the sample size and including female athletes as well as comparing the RWL with the non-RWL group.

In conclusion, our findings indicated that all judo athletes applied RWL procedures, using traditional methods to achieve the body mass required i. However, RWL and RWG were not associated with competitive performance. Moreover, athletes and coaches should be educated regarding more effective and scientifically-based approaches to body mass management and control programs.

Also, to minimize the risk of excessive dehydration and potential health deterioration, it is advisable to engage the expertise of an experienced sports nutritionist.

Seventeen healthy male judo athletes age: The judo athletes were multiple participants in national competitions both in the youth and senior categories.

Moreover, four subjects also competed in international championship competitions level. The study was announced by research staff former Judo athletes through social media, and information provided to the coaches. The rules of the national judo federation required a medical check-up for being admitted to the competition.

No athlete had a major medical disorder or was taking medication at the time of measurement. All participant declared to use RWL procedures to this event. All the subjects provided written informed consent prior to the study procedures. The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki The present study ensured anonymity and confidentiality by replacing the athletes personal identification Supplementary Tables.

Body mass and body composition were estimated using a multi-frequency impedance plethysmograph body composition analyzer Tanita BC—N, Japan. This measurement was conducted in all athletes in each time-point.

To meet objectives, body mass, hydration status, competition result, and practice of RWL survey were also collected.

Hydration status was determined by measuring changes in urine osmolality U OSM and urinary gravity U SG. Among the available methods for assessing hydration levels, blood osmolality stands as the "gold standard" 34 , However, measuring blood osmolality requiers an invasive approach and skilled medical personnel, making it challenging for scientists and coaches.

In light of these constraints, urine analysis has been proposed as an alternative indication for hydration status due to its noninvasive nature Moreover, more recent findings indicate that urine closely reflects blood responses during progressive dehydration induced by exercise Urine can be assessed based on attributes like density, osmolality, or its components, as well as color U OSM emerges as a non-invasive surrogate for blood osmolality and is recognized as the most credible measure of hydration status through urine 35 , Additionally U OSM and U SG has been used, as generally accepted markers of hydration status in the field 6 , All participants were instructed about the proper execution of the procedures and collected midstream urine samples into a polypropylene container.

Hospital laboratory completed all remaining urine tests. These two measurements were conducted in 12 athletes.

Five athletes were unable to urinate likely due to the severe dehydration and this measurement is lacking for them. All athletes achieved their weight category body mass limit, and none was eliminated in the random weigh-in in the competition day Fig. Overview of the measurement protocol.

Urine sample A—collected before the official weigh-in; Urine sample B—collected at the morning of the competition day; Urine sample C—collected after end of warming-up athletes, before judo matches; Body mass control—collected at the same time as sample C collection; Body mass was measured together with official weigh-in control and at the time of warming up.

Data are presented as mean and standard deviation. Body mass, UOSM and USG along the rapid weight loss process and recovery were compared through a one-way analysis of variance with repeated measurements, after the confirmation of the compound symmetry via the Mauchly test.

Bonferroni test was used as post-hoc when a difference was found in the analysis of variance. Correlations between variables were evaluated using the Spearman correlation coefficient.

Effect sizes were assessed via partial eta squared ηp2 , using 0. Data may be available by email to the principal investigator sylwester.

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Department of Neurophysiology, Neuropsychology and Neuroinformatics, Medical University of Gdansk, Tuwima 15, , Gdansk, Poland. You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar. Conceptualization, D. and S. and SK; Funding acquisition, S. Fogelholm M. Effects of bodyweight reduction on sports performance.

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European journal of applied physiology, 86 5 , — Read this guide on how to lose weight as an athlete for seven science-backed strategies that will help you drop some pounds while maintaining your athletic edge.

Contents How does weight loss affect sports performance? Frequently asked questions Summary Key takeaways. How does weight loss affect sports performance?

When done right, research shows gradual weight loss can lead to improvements in both strength and endurance, whereas rapid or excessive weight loss can have the opposite effect [ 1 ]. Calorie deficits from carbohydrate restriction can be incredibly effective for weight loss, but research shows extreme carbohydrate restriction can crush performance, particularly in endurance sports like running and cycling [ 2 ].

In a carb-depleted state, fat can be used for fuel, but it will cost you efficiency and potentially lead to increased muscle loss.

Research shows the loss of lean body mass that occurs with weight loss can have several negative implications for athletes, including reduced metabolic rate, strength, and aerobic capacity [ 3 , 4 ]. Key takeaways Low-carbohydrate diets can be incredibly effective for weight loss, but extreme carbohydrate restriction can hinder performance and put you at risk for injury and illness.

References Fogelholm M. pdf Murphy, C. x Schuenke, M. Show more. Nutrition Protein Sports Performance High performance Weight loss Athlete. Food restriction, performance, biochemical, psychological, and endocrine changes in judo athletes.

International journal of sports medicine, 27 01 , pp. Thomas, D. and Burke, L. Position of the academy of nutrition and dietetics, dietitians of canada, and the american college of sports medicine: Nutrition and athletic performance.

Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 3 , pp. Skip to content Resources to Optimize Athletic Performance and Sports Sciences. ShakeBot Bottom Line When it comes to weight loss, slow and steady wins the race. Losing weight at slow rates typically improves body composition and athletic performance measures, compared with faster rates of weight loss [].

Aim to lose 0. Although not discussed in the post, higher protein intakes are suggested during times of caloric restriction [6]. Reference Garthe, I. Previous Post Post-Exercise Nutrition Next Post A Simple Way to Decrease Injury Risk and Improve Performance.

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