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Rapid Weight Reduction in Judo: Dietary Practices and Short-Term Health Effects
Wiktoria Staśkiewicz-Bartecka1, Paulina Ziomek1, Daria Dobkowska-Szefer1
1Faculty of Public Health in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, ul. Jordana 19, 41-808 Zabrze, Poland.
Nutrients
|December 31, 2025
Summary
Rapid weight loss (RWL) is common in judo athletes, often starting young. The methods used negatively impact physical and mental health, highlighting a need for better nutritional guidance.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Rapid weight loss (RWL) is prevalent in judo for weight category competition.
- Restrictive practices for RWL can negatively affect athlete functioning.
- This study investigated RWL behaviors and their effects in judo athletes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess dietary behaviors and weight-cutting methods in judo athletes.
- To evaluate the short-term physical and psychological effects of RWL.
- To identify associations between RWL strategies and adverse outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 70 national/international judo athletes (August-December 2024).
- Data collected via questionnaire on anthropometrics, training, RWL strategies, and eating behaviors.
- Physical and psychological symptoms assessed using self-report measures.
Main Results:
- 95.7% of athletes practice RWL, often starting between 13-16 years.
- Common strategies include reduced meals, increased training, fluid restriction, and saunas.
- Reported symptoms: weakness, headaches, dizziness, irritability, reduced motivation, and tension. Binge eating post-weigh-in was common (65.71%).
Conclusions:
- RWL is highly prevalent and starts early in judo athletes' careers.
- Current RWL strategies are linked to adverse physical, psychological, and behavioral outcomes.
- Evidence-based nutritional education and individualized weight management are crucial for athlete health and performance.
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