Investigation of Rapid Weight Loss Strategies in Combat Sports
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19361591Keywords:
combat sports, weight loss methods, athlete, performanceAbstract
This study aims to examine weight loss methods used in combat sports (judo, wrestling, boxing, taekwondo) and their effects on athletes. A total of 231 athletes voluntarily participated in the study. The Personal Information Form and the Athlete Weight Loss Methods and Effects Scale were used as data collection tools in the study. The physiological characteristics of the participants, such as age, height, weight, and body mass index (BMI), were analyzed. The SPSS 25 software package was used to evaluate the data. The subfactors of the weight loss methods in sports scale (physiological, psychological, ergogenic, diet, and fluid loss) were evaluated according to the athletes' weight loss categories (0-2 kg, 2-4 kg, 4-6 kg, 6 kg and above). According to the findings, there was no statistically significant difference between weight loss categories in the physiological, psychological, and ergogenic subfactors (p>0.05). However, significant differences were observed in the diet and fluid loss subfactors (p<0.05). In the analysis by sport, a significant difference was found between the fluid loss sub-factor and the sports. This difference stems from the wrestling and boxing sports. In conclusion, it is seen that pre-competition weight loss practices in combat sports are mostly performed at low and medium levels. It can be said that as the amount of weight loss increases, diet and fluid loss-based methods are used more intensively. Furthermore, this situation indicates that athletes may be inclined towards practices that could pose risks in terms of performance and health, highlighting the importance of conscious, scientifically based approaches in weight management processes.
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