Abstract - Supervised weight loss in combat sports resulted in optimal achievements in competition
Background. Judo and karate are combat sports in which competitors participate in different weight categories. Different unhealthy and sometimes life-threatening strategies are used by competitors to reach the corresponding weight category. In a previous report, we proposed the safest protocol to adjust weight. The main points are to plan the weight adjustment with enough time in advance, competition weight might be closest to the usual off-season weight, and the process has to be supervised by an expert in Sport Nutrition.
Problem and aim. Therefore, the goal of the present report was to apply this protocol in a pilot intervention.
Material and methods. We have proposed this protocol to a group of 20 judo/karate competitors who used to perform unhealthy weight reduction strategies.
Results. Results indicated that competitors reached the corresponding weight category for competition with enough time in advance. The obtained results (classification for different championships) were improved when compared to those obtained in the previous season. More participants were classified for international events, while they had mainly remained at National level in the previous season.
Conclusions. Although more research is necessary, the main conclusion is that supervised weight adjustment according to this protocol may result in a better adaptation to the goals of the season in combat sport disciplines.