Pre-competition body mass loss characteristics of Brazilian jiu-jitsu competitors in the United Kingdom

Abstract

Background: Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) is a grappling-based combat sport in which competitors engage in pre-competition acute ‘weight’ loss (AWL) and rapid ‘weight’ loss (RWL) to achieve the body mass (BM) required for their desired division. AWL/RWL practices of UK BJJ competitors have not previously been reported. Aim: Our aim in this study was to determine the prevalence, magnitude and stakeholder influences of AWL and RWL amongst BJJ participants in the United Kingdom (UK). A secondary aim was to explore whether there is any influence of time spent in the sport or competition frequency on AWL/RWL practices. Methods: In this study we used the rapid weight loss questionnaire (RWLQ) adapted for BJJ to determine the prevalence and magnitude of AWL/RWL in UK BJJ, the prevalence of methods used and the key stakeholder influences on these practices. As a secondary investigation we aimed to determine whether there was any effect of age starting BJJ on AWL/RWL. Results: Of 115 completed responses, 59% stated they performed AWL/RWL before competition. Mean BM loss for this competition was 1.9 ± 3.8 kg (2.3 ± 4.6%), with 34% of participants starting BM loss 3–7 days prior and 16% starting 0–2 days prior. Methods used tend to be achieving calorie deficit via exercise and diet rather than hypohydration, with little advice from formally qualified personnel. Participants who perform AWL/RWL started training (BF10 = 199, d = .72) and competing (BF10 = 107, d = .68) in BJJ younger than those who do not perform AWL/RWL. Conclusions: AWL/RWL is prevalent in UK BJJ, but not at the magnitude of other combat sports or countries. Though negative effects of extreme hypohydration are unlikely, there may be a higher chance of eating disorders in BJJ, particularly due to the young age of AWL/RWL commencement.

Effects and symptoms of dehydration in Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes

“…To assess the history of rapid weight loss methods, the Rapid Weight Loss Questionnaire (RWLQ) was applied , adapted to BJJ (White & Kirk, 2021). In addition, a food record of the previous 24 hours was applied to limit the participation of athletes who used medications or supplements that could interfere with hydration status.…”

Empowered, Yet Vulnerable: Motives for Sport Participation, Health Correlates, and Experience of Sexual Harassment in Female Combat-Sport Athletes

“…Considerable and rapid weight fluctuations in combat-sport athletes have frequently been reported in the literature [ 11 , 12 , 13 ], and many of the techniques are harmful and life-threatening [ 12 , 14 ]. Research on the weight-regulation practices within these sports are concerned about the potential negative effects on physical performance and health due to the long-term effects from repeated weight fluctuations or prolonged periods of low energy availability (LEA), which also increases the risk of eating disorders (EDs) [ 14 , 15 , 16 ]. While some argue that female combat sport athletes are more prone to these negative health impairments compared to males [ 16 ], most studies are limited by few included females [ 15 ].…”

“…Research on the weight-regulation practices within these sports are concerned about the potential negative effects on physical performance and health due to the long-term effects from repeated weight fluctuations or prolonged periods of low energy availability (LEA), which also increases the risk of eating disorders (EDs) [ 14 , 15 , 16 ]. While some argue that female combat sport athletes are more prone to these negative health impairments compared to males [ 16 ], most studies are limited by few included females [ 15 ]. Importantly, it has been shown that persons with high level of body appreciation (i.e., “accepting, holding favorable opinions toward, and respecting the body, while also rejecting media-promoted appearance ideals”) are less prone to body figure idealization and the negative mental health effects from LEA [ 17 , 18 , 19 ].…”

“…Importantly, it has been shown that persons with high level of body appreciation (i.e., “accepting, holding favorable opinions toward, and respecting the body, while also rejecting media-promoted appearance ideals”) are less prone to body figure idealization and the negative mental health effects from LEA [ 17 , 18 , 19 ]. A few studies have suggested poor body image and symptoms of or increased risk for EDs among female combat-sport athletes [ 10 , 15 , 20 ]; however, the frequency of disordered eating (DE) or EDs per se is not well-explored, and neither is body appreciation.…”

Position before submission? Techniques and tactics in competitive no-gi Brazilian jiu-jitsu

“…Although still in its infancy, the BJJ research literature has grown substantially over the past few years across multiple domains, such as the psychosocial (Bennett & Dressler, 2020;Mickelsson, 2021;, nutritional (Verli et al, 2021;White & Kirk, 2021), anthropometric (de Paula Lima et al, 2017Øvretveit, 2018b), physiological (Belo et al, 2020;Øvretveit, 2019), and technical-tactical Coswig et al, 2018b). Due to the paucity of research in competitive BJJ, little is known about the performance characteristics of different events, styles, and skill levels.…”