Weight loss practices in Taekwondo athletes of different competitive levels

Abstract

This study investigated the prevalence, magnitude, and methods of rap-id weight loss among male and female Taekwondo athletes from all competitive levels. A questionnaire was administered to 72 men (regional/state level, n=31; national/international level, n=41) and 44 women (regional/state level, n=9; national/international, n=35). Among the male athletes, 77.4% of the regional/state level and 75.6% of the national/international athletes declared to have reduced weight to compete in lighter weight categories. Among women, 88.9% of regional/state level and 88.6% of national/international level reported the use of rapid weight loss strategies. Athletes reported to usually lose ~3% of their body weight, with some athletes reaching ~7% of their body weight. The methods used to achieve weight loss are potentially dangerous to health and no difference between sexes was found. Four methods were more frequently used by men athletes in higher competitive levels as compared to lower levels, as follows: skipping meals (Z=2.28, P=0.023, η2=0.21), fasting (Z=2.337, P=0.019, η2=0.22), restricting fluids (Z=2.633, P=0.009, η2=0.24) and spitting (Z=2.363, P=0.018, η2=0.22). Taekwondo athletes lost ~3% of their body mass, using methods potentially dangerous for their health. Although no difference was found between sexes, lower level athletes more frequently used methods such as skipping meals, fasting, restricting fluids and spitting. Considering that these health-threating methods are more commonly used by lower level athletes, specific education programs should be directed to them.

Effects of caloric restriction on anthropometrical and specific performance in highly-trained university judo athletes

“…In accordance with several reports our results showed that rapid Weight loss affects negatively performance in judo athletes [41]. We herein argue that rapid Weight loss clearly meets all three criteria and, therefore, should be banned from the sport [42], Considering that these health-threating methods are more commonly used by lower level athletes, specific education programs should be directed to them [43]. In a recent review, Fagerberg [44]discussed the negative consequences of restricting calories too severely, [45] this review summarises guidelines for athletes and coaches for manipulating BM and optimising post weigh in recovery period, also to achieve better health and performance outcomes across the different Olympic combat sports.…”

“…Although other studies analysed the effects of body Weight reduction on performance among combat sport athletes [14,42,43], it is worth noting that the present study was designed to determine the appropriate Weight. The Weight of an athlete can maintain without dieting is typically higher than their competition Weight [46], The results of our study allowed us to conclude that stabilising Weight loss was not a good strategy to optimise judo athletes performance.…”

Estado Físico, Fisiológico E Psicossocial De Atletas Do Tae Kwon Do Na Pré-Competição

“…Dois fatores podem ter contribuído para isto. Primeiro, a cultura na modalidade em aumentar demasiadamente as cargas de treino nas semanas que antecedem às competições 4,9 e, segundo, o tempo de polimento de apenas uma semana. De fato, um elevado estresse oxidativo tem sido encontrado em atletas de combate 32,33 .…”

“…Na modalidade tae kwon do, além das grandes demandas físicas e psicológicas, inerentes ao treinamento de rendimento, os atletas são exigidos a manter um determinado peso corporal até o momento da competição 3,4 . Em função disto, geralmente recorrem a estratégias como a desidratação rápida, ocasionando um estresse tanto físico 5 , quanto fisiológico e psicológico 5,6 .…”

Weight Management for Athletes: Important Things to be Considered

“…Although no difference was found between sexes, while lower level athletes typically skip meals, fast, restrict fluids and spitting. Considering that these healththreating methods are more commonly used by lower level athletes, specific education programs should be directed to them [49].…”