Effects of Rapid Weight Loss on Judo Athletes: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Rapid weight loss (RWL) is commonly practiced among judo athletes. Although it helps them to gain the advantage over their lighter opponents, previous studies have shown that RWL can have a negative impact on the athlete’s performance and overall well-being. This systematic review aimed to synthesize the evidence that examines the influence of rapid weight loss on physiological parameters, biomarkers, and psychological well-being in judo athletes. We followed the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines. We searched for studies on Web of Science and PubMed that elaborate on the influence of ≥5% RWL achieved over ≤7-day period in judokas. Out of 52 studies initially found, 14 studies met our eligibility criteria and were included in the review. In total, we examined data from 1103 judo athletes. Retrieved studies showed conflicting data concerning physiological parameters and biomarkers, while psychological well-being parameters were more consistent than physiological and biomarkers. The feeling of tension, anger, and fatigue significantly increased while a decrease in vigor was demonstrated among athletes who lost weight rapidly. The evidence on the impact of RWL on performance remains ambiguous. More studies under standardized conditions are needed in order to provide firm evidence. Considering the harmful effects of RWL outlined in the existing literature, it is important to determine and monitor athlete’s minimal competitive weight to prioritize the health and safety of the athlete, emphasize fairness, and ultimately benefit the sport.

Patterns of Rapid Weight Loss in Elite Sambo Athletes

“…However, oftentimes RWL is popularly perceived as mental toughness practice that gives athletes a psychological advantage over their opponents [33]. 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 signi cantly 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][35][36][37][38] which can even lead to lethal consequences [39], scientists suggested that this harmful practice should be banned from combat sports [29].…”

“…Coming from perspective that prioritizes athlete's health and safety, it is important to outline that RWL practice is not without consequences. Existing literature eloquently describes RWL-induced physical and psychological consequences, which can range from acute to chronic [14], with repetitive RWL offering no protection for athletes from the negative impact of RWL on performance [26]. In fact, ever since 1996 eminent heatlth and tness organizations such as American College of Sports Medicine, have unambiguously stated that there is a general consensus that RWL has a negative impact on physiological and health-related parameters [27].…”

“…Regardless of the type of combat sport, methods of inducing RWL are very similar and are often initiated by reduced ingestion of uids, caloric de ciency, increased training levels, plastic suit training, heated room training, and sauna use [7,[11][12][13]. Nevertheless, RWL procedure can cause many health complications that can affect the body acutely or chronically [14]. It is even more disturbing that some athletes declared performing RWL 2-5 times annualy, although many athletes applied 6-10 times a year [5].…”

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

“…It has been reported that combat sports athletes have performed this practice at least once in life [ 9 , 10 ], but this methodology is also known among amateur fighters and it is applied from two to eight times per year (personal communication and experience within the Italian Muay Thai and Italian Boxing federations). The goal of cutting weight is to be able to compete in a lower-weight category than one of the regular season, which would translate into a physical advantage; notwithstanding, scientific literature has demonstrated a reduction in sports and psychological performance after drastic RWL and RWG [ 8 , 11 ]. The issues of the making weight practice encompass not only the frequency over the year but also that is operated based on anecdotes and non-professional supervision, which have called the attention of health professionals due to the alarming potential adverse events [ 12 ].…”

“…There have been several episodes of serious side effects and even death in athletes that aimed to make weight before fight events [ 1 ]. Considering the harmful effects of RWL outlined in the existing literature, it is important to determine and monitor an athlete’s minimal competitive body mass to prioritize the health and safety of the athlete [ 11 ].…”