The aim of this master’s thesis was to investigate the prevalence and methods of rapid weight loss (RWL) before competitions among young ju-jitsu athletes in Slovenia and to determine whether weight loss practices differ between male and female athletes. We aimed to examine how frequently athletes engage in RWL, how much body mass they lose, which methods they use, and at what age they started using them. We also sought to determine how athletes choose the weight category in which they compete, who has the greatest influence on this decision, and to what extent coaches communicate with the parents of young athletes about these matters.
The study included 53 young Slovenian ju-jitsu athletes in the U12 to U21 age categories, comprising 27 males (50.9%) and 26 females (49.1%). Data were collected using a questionnaire based on the Rapid Weight Loss Questionnaire (RWLQ). The collected data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, with particular emphasis on comparing RWL practices between male and female athletes.
The results showed that 67.9% of participants had previously engaged in RWL practices. The prevalence was 73.1% among female athletes and 63.0% among male athletes, although the difference was not statistically significant. Male athletes reported higher maximum and typical amounts of body mass lost, but these differences were also not statistically significant. The mean typical body mass loss was 3.04 kg in males and 1.95 kg in females. The mean age at first RWL was 14.28 years, with five of the 36 athletes who reported RWL (13.9%) having started at the age of 12 or younger. Athletes reported using various weight loss methods, including fluid restriction, dietary modifications, increased physical activity, and practices intended to increase sweating. Some participants also reported using laxatives, diuretics, and self-induced vomiting. Only 20.5% of athletes who provided a definitive response (9 of 44) reported that their coaches communicated with parents regarding weight category selection (p < 0.001).
The findings indicate that RWL is common among the young ju-jitsu athletes included in this study. The early initiation of RWL, reported use of potentially harmful methods, and limited perceived communication between coaches and parents highlight the need for greater awareness of safer weight management practices. Cooperation among athletes, coaches, and parents is particularly important when selecting appropriate weight categories and sharing information about RWL, nutrition, and hydration. These findings provide a basis for further research and the development of targeted preventive strategies to promote safer weight management among young combat sport athletes.
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