The effects of rapid weight loss on skeletal muscle in judo athletes

Roklicer, Roberto; Lakičević, Nemanja; Štajer, Valdemar; Trivić, Tatjana; Bianco, Antonino; Mani, Diba; Milošević, Zoran; Maksimović, Nebojša; Paoli, Antonio; Drid, Patrik

doi:10.1186/s12967-020-02315-x

Cited by 41 publications

(32 citation statements)

References 44 publications

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“…Moreover, the change in this variable was different in magnitude and sense between sexes (Figure 4). This reduction in what represents the metabolically active portion of the body is in agreement with the recent findings of Roklicer et al [45], who reported skeletal muscle damage to a significant extent in male jūdōkas who underwent a three-day RWL and strenuous exercise. Further research is needed to analyze the impact of RWL and RWG on muscle mass between males and females.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 92%

Acute Effects of Supervised Making Weight on Health Markers, Hormones and Body Composition in Muay Thai Fighters

Cannataro

Cione

Gallelli

et al. 2020

Sports

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Making weight is a practice often used in combat sports. This consists of a rapid weight loss (RWL) and a subsequent rapid weight gain (RWG) in the days preceding competition. However, this practice is often carried out based on anecdotal information provided by ex-athletes or non-professionals, which has led to several adverse events. This study aimed to assess the acute effects of a supervised nutritional period of RWL/RWG on health markers, hormone concentrations, and body composition. We performed a single-arm repeated-measures (baseline, after RWL and after RWG) clinical trial with twenty-one (8F:16M) Italian Muay Thai fighters. Body mass was significantly lower after the RWL (−4.1%) while there was a significantly higher glucose availability after RWL and RWG. Blood urea nitrogen, lipid profile, and creatinine were within the normal range after RWL/RWG. Testosterone decrease significantly after RWL and RWG in the men group. Male fighters had a significant reduction in thyroid-stimulating hormone concentration after the RWL and RWG intervention, but no change was found in women at pre-competition. Bioelectrical parameters were almost fully restored after RWG. An evidence-based and individualized nutrition methodology reduces the adverse events after an RWL and RWG practice, although the impact on the hormonal profile is inevitable.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 92%

Acute Effects of Supervised Making Weight on Health Markers, Hormones and Body Composition in Muay Thai Fighters

Cannataro

Cione

Gallelli

et al. 2020

Sports

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“…Contrary to this belief, a recent systematic review on the impact of RWL on judo athletes by Lakicevic et al [ 14 ] showed that the feelings of tension, anger, and fatigue significantly increased, while a decrease in vigor was demonstrated among judo athletes who practice RWL. As more and more emerging studies reveal harmful effects of RWL [ 9 , 34 – 38 ] which can even lead to lethal consequences [ 39 ], scientists suggested that this harmful practice should be banned from combat sports [ 29 ]. Moreover, alternative means of weight loss such as gradual weight loss at the rate of about 1 kilogram per week, elevated carbohydrate intake and emphasis on weight loss from fat depots have been proposed [ 40 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Patterns of rapid weight loss in elite sambo athletes

Drid

Figlioli

Lakičević

et al. 2021

BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil

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Background Rapid weight loss (RWL) is commonly practiced in combat sports. Both magnitude and methods used to induce RWL are largely similar among combat sports, but currently, there is no data on RWL methodology used by sambo athletes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine RWL procedures sambo athletes apply to lose weight rapidly. Methods The sample consisted of 199 participants, of which 132 males and 67 females who participated in the World Sambo Championship 2020 held in Novi Sad, Serbia. Each participant received RWL questionnaire that was available in multiple languages, and every participant was instructed how to fill it out. Results Almost 87% of sambo participants declared to have intentionally cut their weight prior to the competition, whereby 5.27 kg (SD: ±7.57) was lost. Gradual dieting, sauna use and skipping meals were the most dominant methods used to reduce weight prior to competition while more extreme methods of RWL such as the use of laxatives, diuretics, diet pills and vomiting were also implemented but by much smaller fragment of the participants involved. Conclusions Findings from our study largely match with previously conducted RWL studies in terms of prevalence, magnitude and methods used by combat sport athletes, especially in judo and wrestling. Knowing the hazardous consequences of RWL, alternative methods of sustainable weight loss should be considered.

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“…Hence a small number of studies have evaluated the role of higher intakes of protein coupled with a hypocaloric diet in competitive sports people. Despite the potential attraction of rapid weight loss strategies, the literature suggests that a slower rate of weight loss is preferable in this population group as this approach tends to prioritise fat loss over loss of lean tissue [ 94 , 95 , 96 ]. In addition, there is some suggestion that protein intakes significantly beyond current recommendations (1.6–2.4 g protein/kg body weight/d) [ 97 ] for athletic populations may result in improved body composition [ 95 ].…”

Section: Weight Loss In Sports Peoplementioning

confidence: 99%

Weight Loss Strategies and the Risk of Skeletal Muscle Mass Loss

McCarthy

Berg

2021

Nutrients

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With energy intake restriction and exercise remaining the key diet and lifestyle approaches to weight loss, this is not without potential negative implications for body composition, metabolic health, and quality and quantity of life. Ideally, weight loss should be derived almost exclusively from the fat mass compartment as this is the main driver of metabolic disease, however, several studies have shown that there is an accompanying loss of tissue from the fat-free compartment, especially skeletal muscle. Population groups including post-menopausal women, the elderly, those with metabolic disease and athletes may be particularly at risk of skeletal muscle loss when following a weight management programme. Research studies that have addressed this issue across a range of population groups are reviewed with a focus upon the contribution of resistance and endurance forms of exercise and a higher intake dietary protein above the current guideline of 0.8 g/kg body weight/day. While findings can be contradictory, overall, the consensus appears that fat-free and skeletal muscle masses can be preserved, albeit to varying degrees by including both forms of exercise (but especially resistance forms) in the weight management intervention. Equally, higher intakes of protein can protect loss of these body compartments, acting either separately or synergistically with exercise. Elderly individuals in particular may benefit most from this approach. Thus, the evidence supports the recommendations for intakes of protein above the current guidelines of 0.8 g/kg body weight/d for the healthy elderly population to also be incorporated into the dietary prescription for weight management in this age group.

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The effects of rapid weight loss on skeletal muscle in judo athletes

Cited by 41 publications

References 44 publications

Acute Effects of Supervised Making Weight on Health Markers, Hormones and Body Composition in Muay Thai Fighters

Acute Effects of Supervised Making Weight on Health Markers, Hormones and Body Composition in Muay Thai Fighters

Patterns of rapid weight loss in elite sambo athletes

Weight Loss Strategies and the Risk of Skeletal Muscle Mass Loss

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