A Review of High-Risk Rapid Weight Loss Behaviors with Assessment of Food Intake and Anthropometric Measurements in Combat Sport Athletes

Abstract

Context:In most combat sports, athletes are classified according to their body weight, and many of them attempt to lose weight quickly. Objectives: Since the effects of rapid weight loss (RWL) on competitive performance are somewhat ambiguous, this study aims to review high-risk behaviors used for RWL, to assess food intake and anthropometric data in combat sports athletes, and to investigate the negative effects of RWL on physiological and health-related parameters. Methods: This systematic review study was conducted by searching the PubMed, Science Direct and Scopus databases using keywords, including (combat sports, RWL, high-risk behaviors) and (food intake, anthropometric measurements) from 2001 to 2017. After screening based on the title and abstract of identified studies, 17 articles met our inclusion criteria and were included in this review. Results:The results of the studies indicated a high prevalence of RWL among athletes, which was often due to reduced body fluids. At the same time, lower-level athletes often used more dangerous methods, such as fasting, skipping meal, and fluid restriction. This method can negatively affect athletes' mental status and athletic performance. Conclusions: Regarding the negative effects of short-term adjustment of weight on physiological and mental function, further studies suggest athletes to consume a balanced and varied diet including all food groups.

References

“…Unfortunately weight manipulation through dehydration and/or dieting and unsafe weight loss methods (e.g. diet pills, laxatives, enemas) are common in these sports (Pallares et al, 2016;Samadi et al, 2019;Sundgot-Borgen et al, 2013), despite evidence that engaging in these behaviours can impede health and performance even in the absence of an ED (Drinkwater et al, 2005;Nattiv et al, 2007, Slater et al, 2005a. Some studies have estimated as many as 94% of athletes in weight-dependent sports engage in extreme weight control methods prior to competition (Sundgot-Borgen & Garthe, 2011), putting athletes competing in these sports at high risk of developing an ED (Rosendahl et al, 2009).…”

“…Many athletes are motivated to alter their body weight and/or composition for their sport, whether to improve their performance or to achieve weight requirements for participation (Samadi et al, 2019;Sundgot-Borgen & Torstveit, 2010). However, without evidence-informed oversight, this may be to the detriment of performance and strength or may result in disordered eating and exercise behaviours or LEA (Sundgot-Borgen & Torstveit, 2010).…”

“…Manipulating water intake and output through the use of fluid restriction, diuretics, and intentional excessive sweating can put athletes at heightened risk for medical complications (Samadi et al, 2019). However, observational studies have reported hypohydration at weigh-in is unfortunately the norm, not the exception, for many athletes competing in weight-dependent sports (Pallares et al, 2016;Samadi et al, 2019). Moderate exercise engagement over a one-hour period can produce a sweat loss of 0.5-1L (McArdle et al, 2010).…”

Effects of Different Rapid Weight Loss Strategies and Percentages on Performance-Related Parameters in Combat Sports: An Updated Systematic Review

“…On the other hand, although existing studies investigating weight loss strategies in CS mainly focus on the study of athletes’ hydration index [ 14 , 15 ] or their anthropometric characteristics [ 3 , 16 ], it is essential to understand the influence of these strategies on athletic performance, as they are aimed precisely at gaining a competitive advantage [ 2 ].…”

Self-confidence and Disordered Eating amongst Martial Artists: A Cross-sectional Study

“…Extreme dieting can lead to decreased cognitive functions such as impaired short-term memory and concentration, as well as a lack of self-confidence, confusion, and depression, all of which can influence the competitive performance of athletes (19,20). Despite the obvious hazards, many martial arts athletes consider themselves forced to use these methods to cope with the weight limit of their desired sports (10), and this dramatic weight decrease is often the result of the desire to face physically weaker opponents (21). Athletes, compared to non-athletes, suffer more from extreme dieting, especially in sports where weight is considered an "edge" such as judo, weightlifting, and wrestling (22)(23)(24).…”