Methods of body mass reduction by combat sport athletes

The aim of this study was to investigate the methods adopted to reduce body mass (BM) in competitive athletes from the grappling (judo, jujitsu) and striking (karate and tae kwon do) combat sports in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. An exploratory methodology was employed through descriptive resea...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of sport nutrition and exercise metabolism 2012-04, Vol.22 (2), p.89-97
Main Authors: Brito, Ciro José, Roas A, Fernanda Castro Martins, Brito I, Surian Souza, Marins J, Carlos Bouzas, Córdova, Claudio, Franchini, Emerson
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adipose Tissue
Adolescent
Adult
Age Factors
Apparel
Athletes
Brazil
Competition
Competitive Behavior
Counseling
Diet
Diuretics
Energy Metabolism
Female
Humans
International sports
Male
Martial Arts
Nutrition
Plastics
Sauna
Self Report
Steam Bath
Surveys and Questionnaires
Tae kwon do
Weight Loss - physiology
Young Adult
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Summary:The aim of this study was to investigate the methods adopted to reduce body mass (BM) in competitive athletes from the grappling (judo, jujitsu) and striking (karate and tae kwon do) combat sports in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. An exploratory methodology was employed through descriptive research, using a standardized questionnaire with objective questions self-administered to 580 athletes (25.0 ± 3.7 yr, 74.5 ± 9.7 kg, and 16.4% ± 5.1% body fat). Regardless of the sport, 60% of the athletes reported using a method of rapid weight loss (RWL) through increased energy expenditure. Strikers tend to begin reducing BM during adolescence. Furthermore, 50% of the sample used saunas and plastic clothing, and only 26.1% received advice from a nutritionist. The authors conclude that a high percentage of athletes uses RWL methods. In addition, a high percentage of athletes uses unapproved or prohibited methods such as diuretics, saunas, and plastic clothing. The age at which combat sport athletes reduce BM for the first time is also worrying, especially among strikers.
ISSN:1526-484X
1543-2742
DOI:10.1123/ijsnem.22.2.89