Author(s): FRANCHINI, E., MURASAKI, J., KONS, R., ALBUQUERQUE, M., TAKITO, M., DETANICO, D., CONCEIÇÃO-SANTOS, D., Institution: UNIVERSITY OF SÃO PAULO, Country: BRAZIL, Abstract-ID: 616

INTRODUCTION:
Rapid weight loss (RWL) is a long-standing practice in judo, with population-based evidence from Brazil indicating a high prevalence of this behavior 16 years ago [1]. However, important changes have occurred since that initial survey, including modifications to competition weigh-in rules (e.g., a longer interval between the weigh-in and the start of competition, and a limit of 5% of body mass above the weight category at the start of competition), which may have influenced both the prevalence and characteristics of RWL practices, highlighting the need for updated population-level data [1].
METHODS:
This study examined the prevalence, magnitude, methods, and contextual factors associated with RWL among judo athletes. A total of 1,176 adult athletes (796 males; 380 females), competing at regional to international levels, completed a validated RWL questionnaire [2], administered online and during official competitions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and analysis of variance, with the significance level set at 5%.
RESULTS:
Overall, 88.8% of athletes reported using RWL at least once, increasing to approximately 91.7% when heavyweight athletes were excluded. Most athletes reported habitual body mass reductions between 3–5% (33%), while a substantial proportion reported reductions between 5–10% (29%). Nearly half of the athletes (46%) indicated that their greatest lifetime body mass reduction was in the 5–10% range. RWL was frequently repeated across the competitive season, with 24% reporting 3–5 episodes per year and 13% reporting more than 10 episodes. The most common methods were dehydration-based strategies, including fluid restriction, increased exercise volume, training in hot environments, and the use of plastic or rubber clothing. Questionnaire scores varied by age at RWL initiation (p<0.001), with higher scores among athletes initiating at younger ages (52.0±14.0 a.u.) compared with those initiating at 18 years (41.7±15.4 a.u.) or older (30.2±14.5 a.u.). Higher competitive level was also characterized by more aggressive RWL practices (international: 46.2±20.0 a.u.; national: 45.8±19.1 a.u.; regional: 37.4±21.4 a.u.; state-level: 28.4±20.3 a.u.; p<0.001). Coaches were identified as the primary influence on RWL adoption, while medical and nutritional professionals were perceived as having limited influence.
CONCLUSION:
These findings demonstrate that RWL is a highly prevalent, early-onset, and recurrent behavior in judo, largely driven by dehydration-based strategies. Despite a similar prevalence of RWL compared with earlier reports [1], a greater proportion of athletes in the present study reported RWL in the 5–10% range, suggesting that aggressive RWL practices have increased.
Funding: FAPESP – [2024/18847-4] and [2024/08930-1]; CNPq – [403032/2023-7] and [305507/2023-0].
[1] Artioli et al. (2010) Med Sci Sports Exerc. 42(3) 436-442
[2] Artioli et al. (2010) Scand. J. Med. Sci. Sports 20(1) e177-e187