OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to identify the methods used to rapidly lose weight before a competition and determine the prevalence of such methods among elite judo athletes and the magnitude of weight loss. METHODS: This sample consisted of 28 male elite judo athletes from the city of São Paulo. Their body weight and the weight category in which they competed were recorded. Of these, 19 were interviewed by a nutritionist to investigate weight and diet histories. The study took place between August 2002 and June 2004. RESULTS: The results showed that 85.7% of the sample was, on average, 4.2% (standard deviation=2.6) above the limit of their weight categories. Among those who were interviewed, 89.5% reported that they usually kept the body weight above the limit, and 100% reported that their weight was, at least once, above this limit. Generally, they weighed 3.7% (standard deviation=1.8) more than the weight limit of their category, sometimes as much as 7.8% (standard deviation=3%) above the limit. The most frequently used methods to lose weight rapidly were dehydration, decrease in energy intake and decreased consumption of sweets and fats. CONCLUSION: Most of the judo athletes assessed present body weight above the limit of their categories and they lose weight quickly before competitions, using many methods, some of which are detrimental to their health and performance. Measures to discourage such practices should be studied and implemented in order to prevent more severe complications.
martial arts; athletic; performance; weight loss; body weight; health
