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Zhong Y, Song Y, Artioli GG, Gee TI, French DN, Zheng H, Lyu M, Li Y. The Practice of Weight Loss in Combat Sports Athletes: A Systematic Review. Nutrients 2024; 16:1050. [PMID: 38613083 PMCID: PMC11013344 DOI: 10.3390/nu16071050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of this systematic review is to comprehensively assess the weight loss (WL) practices in different combat sports (CS). The review protocol was preregistered with PROSPERO [CRD42023487196]. Three databases were searched (Web of Science, EBSCOhost, and PubMed) until 8 December 2023. Eligible studies had to meet five criteria: they must have been (a) written in English, (b) published in a peer-reviewed journal, (c) used a survey design to investigate the WL practices of CS athletes, and (d) reported the WL methods used by athletes using a five-point scale. Twenty-six studies (3994 participants from 14 CS) were included. This review found that (1) WL is highly prevalent in CS athletes; (2) many CS athletes started losing weight for competition as teenagers two to three times a year; (3) CS athletes usually lose <5% body weight in 7-14 days before competition; (4) increasing exercise and gradually dieting are the most commonly used WL methods; and (5) the influence of scientific practitioners on athletes is negligible. The habitual practices of CS athletes may be relatively harmless, but in some special cases, CS athletes also perform extreme WL practices. Scientific practitioners have little influence on their WL practices, which may form a vicious cycle of non-qualified influence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuming Zhong
- School of Athletic Performance, Shanghai University of Sport, Changhai Road 399, Yangpu District, Shanghai 200438, China; (Y.Z.); (Y.S.); (H.Z.); (M.L.)
| | - Yuou Song
- School of Athletic Performance, Shanghai University of Sport, Changhai Road 399, Yangpu District, Shanghai 200438, China; (Y.Z.); (Y.S.); (H.Z.); (M.L.)
| | | | - Thomas I. Gee
- School of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7TS, UK;
| | - Duncan N. French
- Ultimate Fighting Championship Performance Institute, Las Vegas, NV 89118, USA;
| | - Hang Zheng
- School of Athletic Performance, Shanghai University of Sport, Changhai Road 399, Yangpu District, Shanghai 200438, China; (Y.Z.); (Y.S.); (H.Z.); (M.L.)
| | - Mengde Lyu
- School of Athletic Performance, Shanghai University of Sport, Changhai Road 399, Yangpu District, Shanghai 200438, China; (Y.Z.); (Y.S.); (H.Z.); (M.L.)
| | - Yongming Li
- School of Athletic Performance, Shanghai University of Sport, Changhai Road 399, Yangpu District, Shanghai 200438, China; (Y.Z.); (Y.S.); (H.Z.); (M.L.)
- China Institute of Sport Science, Beijing 100061, China
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Bagot S, Pélissier L, Pereira B, Chanséaume Bussiere E, Duclos M, Dulloo A, Miles-Chan J, Charlot K, Boirie Y, Thivel D, Isacco L. Weight regain, body composition, and metabolic responses to weight loss in weight cycling athletes: A systematic review and meta-analyses. Obes Rev 2024; 25:e13658. [PMID: 38096860 DOI: 10.1111/obr.13658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Depending on the nature of their sports, athletes may be engaged in successive weight loss (WL) and regain, conducing to "weight cycling." The aims of this paper were to systematically (and meta-analytically when possible) analyze the post-WL recovery of (i) body weight and (ii) fat mass; fat-free mass; and performance and metabolic responses in weight cycling athletes (18-55 years old, body mass index < 30 kg.m-2 ). MEDLINE, Embase, and SPORTDiscus databases were explored. The quality and risk of bias of the 74 included studies were assessed using the quality assessment tool for quantitative studies. Thirty-two studies were eligible for meta-analyses. Whatever the type of sports or methods used to lose weight, post-WL body weight does not seem affected compared with pre-WL. While similar results are observed for fat-free mass, strength sports athletes (also having longer WL and regain periods) do not seem to fully recover their initial fat mass (ES: -0.39, 95% CI: [-0.77; -0.00], p = 0.048, I2 = 0.0%). Although the methods used by athletes to achieve WL might prevent them from a potential post-WL fat overshooting, further studies are needed to better understand WL episodes consequences on athletes' performance as well as short- and long-term physical, metabolic, and mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Bagot
- EA 3533, Laboratory of the Metabolic Adaptations to Exercise under Physiological and Pathological Conditions (AME2P), CRNH Auvergne, Clermont Auvergne University, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Léna Pélissier
- EA 3533, Laboratory of the Metabolic Adaptations to Exercise under Physiological and Pathological Conditions (AME2P), CRNH Auvergne, Clermont Auvergne University, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Bruno Pereira
- Unit of Biostatistics (DRCI), University Hospital Centre Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | | | - Martine Duclos
- Department of Sport Medicine and Functional Explorations, University Hospital Centre Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Faculty of Medicine and Paramedical Professions, National Observatory on Physical Activity and Sedentariness (ONAPS), University of Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- International Research Chair Health in Motion, Clermont Auvergne University Foundation, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Abdul Dulloo
- Department of Medicine/Physiology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Miles-Chan
- Human Nutrition Unit, School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Keyne Charlot
- Institut de recherche biomédicale des armées, Département Environnements Opérationnels, Unité de Physiologie des Exercices et Activités en Conditions Extrêmes, Bretigny-sur-Orge, France
- Exercise Biology Laboratory for Performance and Health (LBEPS), Paris-Saclay University, Evry, France
| | - Yves Boirie
- Department of Human Nutrition, University Hospital Centre Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - David Thivel
- EA 3533, Laboratory of the Metabolic Adaptations to Exercise under Physiological and Pathological Conditions (AME2P), CRNH Auvergne, Clermont Auvergne University, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Faculty of Medicine and Paramedical Professions, National Observatory on Physical Activity and Sedentariness (ONAPS), University of Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- International Research Chair Health in Motion, Clermont Auvergne University Foundation, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Laurie Isacco
- EA 3533, Laboratory of the Metabolic Adaptations to Exercise under Physiological and Pathological Conditions (AME2P), CRNH Auvergne, Clermont Auvergne University, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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Maksimovic N, Cvjeticanin O, Rossi C, Manojlovic M, Roklicer R, Bianco A, Carraro A, Sekulic D, Milovancev A, Trivic T, Drid P. Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its association with rapid weight loss among former elite combat sports athletes in Serbia. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:245. [PMID: 38254092 PMCID: PMC10801998 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-17763-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In terms of the potential influence of rapid weight loss (RWL) on the metabolic health of former combat sports athletes (CSA), the scientific literature is quite scarce. Therefore, the objective of the presented research was to determine the differences in metabolic syndrome (MetS) parameters and the prevalence of MetS between former athletes who performed RWL and athletes who did not. METHODS The sample of the presented study comprised 150 participants from Serbia, equally divided into two groups: 75 former athletes who had practiced combat sports and 75 ex-athletes of various other sports who did not practice RWL during their careers. The following parameters related to the MetS were evaluated: waist circumference, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, fasting glucose, and triglycerides. The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was used to assess the participant's body response to sugar. RESULTS The RWL group had significantly higher both systolic (p < 0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.001) compared to the group of athletes who did not practice weight reduction during their careers. Additionally, a tendency toward statistically significant differences between groups was recorded in the variable triglycerides (p = 0.069). Regarding OGTT, increased values of fasting blood glucose at the final measurement were revealed only in the RWL group (p = 0.003). The prevalence of MetS was substantially higher in CSA than in the control group (39.5% vs. 16.2%, respectively p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that former elite CSA who used RWL during their sports career are susceptible to negative metabolic alterations at the end of their competitive period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nemanja Maksimovic
- Sport and Exercise Research Unit, Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, Via Giovanni Pascoli 6, Palermo, 90144, Italy
| | - Ognjen Cvjeticanin
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, 21000, Serbia
| | - Carlo Rossi
- Sport and Exercise Research Unit, Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, Via Giovanni Pascoli 6, Palermo, 90144, Italy.
- Centro Medico Di Fisioterapia "Villa Sarina", Alcamo, 91011, Italy.
| | - Marko Manojlovic
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, 21000, Serbia
| | - Roberto Roklicer
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, 21000, Serbia
- Faculty of Education, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, 39042, Brixen-Bressanone, BZ, Italy
| | - Antonino Bianco
- Sport and Exercise Research Unit, Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, Via Giovanni Pascoli 6, Palermo, 90144, Italy
| | - Attilio Carraro
- Faculty of Education, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, 39042, Brixen-Bressanone, BZ, Italy
| | - Damir Sekulic
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, Split, 21000, Croatia
| | - Aleksandra Milovancev
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
- Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases of Vojvodina, Sremska Kamenica, Serbia
| | - Tatjana Trivic
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, 21000, Serbia
| | - Patrik Drid
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, 21000, Serbia
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Trivic T, Roklicer R, Zenic N, Modric T, Milovancev A, Lukic-Sarkanovic M, Maksimovic N, Bianco A, Carraro A, Drid P. Rapid weight loss can increase the risk of acute kidney injury in wrestlers. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med 2023; 9:e001617. [PMID: 37397266 PMCID: PMC10314685 DOI: 10.1136/bmjsem-2023-001617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Restrictive diets, forced starvation or voluntary weight loss are attracting more and more attention from scientists. Overall trends show that about 80% of combat sports athletes use specific methods of reducing body mass. Rapid weight loss could be a risk factor for kidney-related adverse outcomes. This study aimed to examine the impact of high-intensity specific training combined with rapid weight loss in the first and without rapid weight loss in the second phases on body composition and biochemical markers of kidney function. Methods The study was conducted on 12 male wrestlers. Kidney function markers were measured, including blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, uric acid and serum Cystatin-C. Alterations in analysed markers were noted in both phases of the research. Results According to the data, a significant increase was noted in blood urea nitrogen (p=0.002), uric acid (p=0.000) and serum creatinine (p=0.006) during the first phase in comparison with the second phase. The levels of serum Cystatin-C were slightly elevated after both phases compared with the initial measurement. Conclusion It is evident that high-intensity specific training combined with rapid weight loss significantly affects the increase in kidney function markers compared with identical training without rapid weight loss. The findings in this study suggest that rapid body mass reduction is associated with an increased risk of acute kidney injury in wrestlers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Trivic
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Roberto Roklicer
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
- Faculty of Education, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Natasa Zenic
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, Split, Croatia
| | - Toni Modric
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, Split, Croatia
| | - Aleksandra Milovancev
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
- Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases of Vojvodina, Sremska Kamenica, Serbia
| | - Mirka Lukic-Sarkanovic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
- Intensive Therapy and Pain Therapy, Clinical Center of Vojvodina, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Nemanja Maksimovic
- Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonino Bianco
- Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Attilio Carraro
- Faculty of Education, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Patrik Drid
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
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Pélissier L, Ennequin G, Bagot S, Pereira B, Lachèze T, Duclos M, Thivel D, Miles-Chan J, Isacco L. Lightest weight-class athletes are at higher risk of weight regain: results from the French-Rapid Weight Loss Questionnaire. PHYSICIAN SPORTSMED 2023; 51:144-152. [PMID: 34875202 DOI: 10.1080/00913847.2021.2014285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Rapid weight loss (RWL) is a common precompetitive strategy used by athletes in weight-class sports and carries with it an increased risk to future cardiometabolic health. The Rapid Weight Loss Questionnaire (RWLQ) is a self-reported tool designed to identify and characterize such weight loss practices. OBJECTIVES After developing a reliable and reproducible French version of the RWLQ (RWLQ-FR), the present study aims to analyse RWL patterns among French weight-class athletes and to point out potential relationships between such practices and risk of subsequent weight gain. METHODS A test-retest analysis was performed in 54 athletes to test the questionnaire reproducibility before applying it in a cohort of 168 weight-cycling athletes (23.78 ± 9.25 y, 67.6 ± 12.6 kg, 81 males and 87 females, n = 24 strength sports and n = 144 various combat sports). RESULTS The test-retest showed good agreement of the RWLQ-FR (Rho = 0.794, [0.696-0.893]). Athletes reported losing an average of 4.1 ± 2.9% of their initial weight in 13.1 ± 9.6 days, with the main methods used being an increase in exercise, training in rubber or plastic suits, and gradual dieting. The average weight recovery in a week was 3.5 ± 2.8% and results showed that the athletes with the lower inter-season weight (weight outside of the training and competition season) regained the more weight (p = 0.025). The average RWLQ-FR score was 31.9 ± 17.3 and athletes who began to lose weight earlier in their competitive carrier had the higher scores (p = 0.032). CONCLUSION The present study demonstrates relationships between the pattern of RWL practices and potential increased risk of subsequent weight gain in weight-cycling athletes, and the need to better understand the long-term health-related risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Léna Pélissier
- Laboratory of the Metabolic Adaptations to Exercise under Physiological and Pathological Conditions (Ame2p), Crnh Auvergne, Clermont Auvergne University, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Gaël Ennequin
- Laboratory of the Metabolic Adaptations to Exercise under Physiological and Pathological Conditions (Ame2p), Crnh Auvergne, Clermont Auvergne University, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Sarah Bagot
- Laboratory of the Metabolic Adaptations to Exercise under Physiological and Pathological Conditions (Ame2p), Crnh Auvergne, Clermont Auvergne University, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Bruno Pereira
- Unit of Biostatistics (DRCI), Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Thomas Lachèze
- Laboratory of the Metabolic Adaptations to Exercise under Physiological and Pathological Conditions (Ame2p), Crnh Auvergne, Clermont Auvergne University, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Martine Duclos
- Department of Sport Medicine and Functional Explorations, University Hospital (Chu) Clermont-Ferrand, Hospital G. Montpied, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - David Thivel
- Laboratory of the Metabolic Adaptations to Exercise under Physiological and Pathological Conditions (Ame2p), Crnh Auvergne, Clermont Auvergne University, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Jennifer Miles-Chan
- Human Nutrition Unit, School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Laurie Isacco
- Laboratory of the Metabolic Adaptations to Exercise under Physiological and Pathological Conditions (Ame2p), Crnh Auvergne, Clermont Auvergne University, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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Roklicer R, Rossi C, Bianco A, Stajer V, Ranisavljev M, Todorovic N, Manojlovic M, Gilic B, Trivic T, Drid P. Prevalence of rapid weight loss in Olympic style wrestlers. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 2022; 19:593-602. [PMID: 36250149 PMCID: PMC9559051 DOI: 10.1080/15502783.2022.2119095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Methods Results Conclusions
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Roklicer
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Carlo Rossi
- Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonino Bianco
- Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Valdemar Stajer
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Marijana Ranisavljev
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Nikola Todorovic
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Marko Manojlovic
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Barbara Gilic
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, Split, Croatia
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tatjana Trivic
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Patrik Drid
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
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Tubić T, Živanović B, Lakićević N, Zenić N, Gilić B, Rudas E, Eliseev S, Trivić TB, Bianco A, Drid P. Psychological Distress in Elite Sambo and Recreational Athletes. Front Psychol 2022; 13:781880. [PMID: 35572229 PMCID: PMC9100417 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.781880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Previous studies suggest that engagement in any type of physical activity can be protective against mental health issues, whereas elite-level athletes can endure various mental health challenges. The aim of this study was to determine variations in the prevalence of psychological distress among elite sambo athletes and their recreational counterparts. Methods A sample consisting of 245 athletes (127 males and 118 females) was chosen. Out of the total sample, 105 were elite-level athletes while 140 were recreational athletes. Participants were accessed via the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 to determine their stress in various domains at a given time. Results Data indicated that all tested differences between elite sambo athletes and recreational athletes were statistically significant; recreational athletes had a higher score on the depression scale, anxiety and stress, and a general distress score than sambo athletes. Although there are no gender differences in psychological distress in the total sample of athletes, elite sambo athletes achieve significantly lower scores in all tested variants than recreational ones. Women who engage in recreational activities have stood out as a vulnerable subsample in psychological stress. Conclusion Future epidemiological and interventional studies should explore optimal strategies to identify mental health needs based on specific sport activity, especially in terms of gender. There is a need to place special emphasis on psychological distress in the context of combat sports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Tubić
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Bogdan Živanović
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Nemanja Lakićević
- Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Nataša Zenić
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, Split, Croatia
| | - Barbara Gilić
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, Split, Croatia
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Sergey Eliseev
- Institute of Sport and Physical Education, Russian State University of Physical Education, Sports, Youth and Tourism, Moscow, Russia
| | - Tatjana B. Trivić
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Antonino Bianco
- Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Patrik Drid
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
- *Correspondence: Patrik Drid
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Baranauskas M, Kupčiūnaitė I, Stukas R. The Association between Rapid Weight Loss and Body Composition in Elite Combat Sports Athletes. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:665. [PMID: 35455842 PMCID: PMC9031560 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10040665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Rapid Weight Loss (RWL) is a rapid reduction in weight over a short period of time seeking to attain the norm required for a competition in a particular weight category. RWL has a negative health impact on athletes including the significant muscle damage induced by RWL. This study aimed to identify the association between RWL and body composition among competitive combat athletes (n = 43) in Lithuania. Our focus was laid on the disclosure of their RWL practice by using a previously standardized RWL Questionnaire. The body composition of the athletes was measured by means of the standing-posture 8-12-electrode multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and the electrical signals of 5, 50, 250, 550 and 1000 kHz. This non-experimental cross-sectional study resulted in preliminary findings on the prevalence and profile of RWL among combat athletes in Lithuania. 88% of the athletes surveyed in our study had lost weight in order to compete, with the average weight loss of 4.6 ± 2% of the habitual body mass. The athletes started to resort to weight cycling as early as 9 years old, with a mean age of 12.8 ± 2.1 years. The combination of practiced weight loss techniques such as skipping meals (adjusted Odd Ratio (AOR) 6.3; 95% CI: 1.3−31.8), restricting fluids (AOR 5.5; 95% CI: 1.0−31.8), increased exercise (AOR 3.6; 95% CI: 1.0−12.5), training with rubber/plastic suits (AOR 3.2; 95% CI: 0.9−11.3) predicted the risk of RWL aggressiveness. RWL magnitude potentially played an important role in maintaining the loss of muscle mass in athletes during the preparatory training phase (β −0.01 kg, p < 0.001). Therefore, an adequate regulatory programme should be integrated into the training plans of high-performance combat sports athletes to keep not only the athletes but also their coaches responsible for a proper weight control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marius Baranauskas
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Panevėžys University of Applied Sciences, 35200 Panevėžys, Lithuania;
| | - Ingrida Kupčiūnaitė
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Panevėžys University of Applied Sciences, 35200 Panevėžys, Lithuania;
| | - Rimantas Stukas
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, 01513 Vilnius, Lithuania;
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Ranisavljev M, Kuzmanovic J, Todorovic N, Roklicer R, Dokmanac M, Baic M, Stajer V, Ostojic SM, Drid P. Rapid Weight Loss Practices in Grapplers Competing in Combat Sports. Front Physiol 2022; 13:842992. [PMID: 35222096 PMCID: PMC8864148 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.842992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Grappling is a wrestling style that combines different techniques such as freestyle wrestling, jiu-jitsu, judo, sambo, and others. As with other combat sports, it requires categorizing the athletes in weight classes, which leads to the use of certain methods to lose body weight in a short amount of time which poses a serious threat to athletes’ health and wellbeing. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the most widespread rapid weight loss (RWL) methods and sources of influence used by grappling athletes. Methods A total of 145 athletes took part in the study by voluntarily filling out a questionnaire regarding their weight loss techniques and methods. They were divided into two groups, male (27.7 ± 5.2 years, 1.76 ± 0.13 m, and 82.1 ± 20 kg) and female (27.33 ± 6.3 years, 1.65 ± 0.08 m, and 64.3 ± 10.4 kg), for further statistical analysis. After calculating descriptive statistics for all the variables, a t-test was conducted for gender differences in weight loss and weight regain, and a chi-square test measured the diversity in techniques and source of influence. Results Out of 145 participants, 120 athletes (85.2%) reported engaging in rapid weight loss prior to weigh-in. Coaches (52.4 and 59%) and teammates (42.6 and 22.1%) seemed to be the most influential on their rapid weight-loss strategies, whereas physicians (17.1 and 17.9%) and parents (23.2 and 23.1%) were the least influential. A statistical difference between men and women (p = 0.05) was found when teammates were a source of influence (42.6 and 21.1%, respectively). Regarding the methods used, both groups practiced gradual dieting (85.4 and 79.5%) as the most prevalent, followed by increased exercise (79 and 66.6%) and sauna (78.7 and 66.6%). Moreover, men trained in plastic suits significantly more often than women (67.1 vs. 41%, p = 0.01). Conclusion Rapid weight loss is detrimental to athletes’ health and wellbeing. Hence, it is crucial to find and implement methods that will control and ultimately limit its use in combat sports. Physicians and nutritionists need to be closely linked with the staff, collaborate and supervise the weight cutting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marijana Ranisavljev
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Jovan Kuzmanovic
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Nikola Todorovic
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Roberto Roklicer
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | | | - Mario Baic
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Valdemar Stajer
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Sergej M. Ostojic
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Patrik Drid
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
- *Correspondence: Patrik Drid,
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Principles of Rapid Weight Loss in Female Sambo Athletes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182111356. [PMID: 34769872 PMCID: PMC8583233 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In combat sports, competitors are separated into weight divisions, to create equality between the athletes. Consequently, rapid weight loss (RWL) is a common practice in combat sports. Although the methods used to induce RWL are similar among athletes, currently, there are limited data concerning the RWL methodologies used by sambo athletes. Therefore, this study aimed at determining RWL procedures among female sambo athletes. Participants in the study were top-level athletes competing at the World Sambo Championship held in Novi Sad. A total sample of 47 female sambo athletes, of whom 24 were seniors (27.3 ± 4 year/age, 1.61 ± 0.09 m/height, 61.8 ± 8.87 kg/weight) and 23 juniors (18.7 ± 0.8 year/age, 1.66 ± 0.07 m/height, 63.7 ± 12.1 kg/weight), were examined in the study. To determine RWL methods, data were collected through a standardized questionnaire. As a result, 88.7% of the female sambo athletes declared that they intentionally cut their weight before the competition. The most commonly used methods were gradual dieting, followed by sauna, fluid restriction, and skipping meals. The most considerable influence on the RWL strategies of athletes came from coaches and personal trainers, while physicians and dietitians were far less influential. The results obtained from this representative sample highlight the most common practices concerning weight cutting prior to competition among females. Therefore, there is a need to inform and educate both athletes and coaches about the potentially harmful effects of RWL in combat sports.
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