Patterns of weight cycling in youth Olympic combat sports: a systematic review

Lakicevic, Nemanja and Matthews, Joseph J. and Artioli, Guilherme G. and Paoli, Antonio and Roklicer, Roberto and Trivic, Tatjana and Bianco, Antonino and Drid, Patrik (2022) Patterns of weight cycling in youth Olympic combat sports: a systematic review. Journal of Eating Disorders, 10 (75). ISSN 2050-2974

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Abstract

Background: Patterns of weight cycling in adult combat sports have been extensively studied, yet data on this matter in youth combat athletes is rather scarce. Methods: PubMed, EBSCOhost and Web of Science were used to retrieve relevant data. Eligible studies had to record the methods used to elicit rapid weight loss (RWL) and/or record the oscillations in bodyweight during the RWL phase. Only studies conducted in the context of an official competition were considered for inclusion in the present review. Results: RWL is highly prevalent in children and adolescent combat athletes, ranging from 25 to 94% depending on the type of combat sport, age and level of competition. These athletes regularly prompt RWL by increasing exercise frequency and intensity, decreasing fluid and food intake, training in impermeable suits and using sauna frequently. Overall, the magnitude of RWL was ranging from ~ 1% to 6.3 ± 3.7% with significant RWL variations within individual studies and individuals within those studies. Conclusion: Acquired data indicated that RWL patterns in young combat athletes are similar to those found in their adult counterparts. Knowing that childhood and adolescence are critical periods for growth and development, RWL needs to be stringently regulated and ideally banned in this population.

Item Type:	Article
Identification Number:	10.1186/s40337-022-00595-w
Dates:	Date Event 13 May 2022 Accepted 25 May 2022 Published Online
Uncontrolled Keywords:	rapid weight loss, rapid weight gain, children, adolescents, health, performance
Subjects:	CAH02 - subjects allied to medicine > CAH02-06 - allied health > CAH02-06-02 - nutrition and dietetics CAH03 - biological and sport sciences > CAH03-02 - sport and exercise sciences > CAH03-02-01 - sport and exercise sciences
Divisions:	Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences > College of Health and Care Professions
Depositing User:	Joseph Matthews
Date Deposited:	06 Jun 2022 15:12
Last Modified:	06 Jun 2022 15:12
URI:	https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/13266

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