Practices of Weight Regulation Among Elite Athletes in Combat Sports: A Matter of Mental Advantage?

• Context: The combination of extensive weight loss and inadequate nutritional strategies in order to rapidly lose weight for competition in weight-category sports could negatively affect athletic performance and health. Objective: Our aim was to explore the reasoning of elite combat sports athletes about rapid weight loss and regain prior to competitions. Design and Setting: With grounded theory as a theoretical framework, we employed a cross examinational approach including interviews, observations and Internet sources. Patients or Other Participants: Participants in the interviews included fourteen Swedish national team athletes (nine male, five female) from 18 to 36 years of age from three Olympic combat sports (wrestling, judo and taekwondo). Sports observations were performed at competitions while statements collected on the Internet included combat sport athletes in general. Data collection and analysis: The one-on-one interviews were of a semi-structured character. Field observations were conducted at competitions at different locations in Europe. By using an iterative approach, we inductively analyzed the interview transcripts and field notes and selectively sampled quotes posted on the Internet. Results: Positive aspects of weight regulation other than gaining physical advantage emerged from the data during the analysis; sport identity, mental diversion and mental advantage. Together and individually, these categories point toward the positive aspects of weight regulation (WR) experienced by the athletes. Practicing WR mediates a self-image of being "a real athlete". WR is also considered mentally important as a part of the pre-competition preparations, acting as a coping strategy by creating a feeling of increased focus and commitment. Moreover, a mental advantage relative to one's opponents can be gained through the practice of WR. Conclusions: The results show that WR has mentally important functions extending beyond the common notion that combat sport athletes merely reduce their weight in order to gain a physical edge over their opponents.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Idrottsvetenskap (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Sport and Fitness Sciences (hsv//eng)

LANTBRUKSVETENSKAPER  -- Lantbruksvetenskap, skogsbruk och fiske -- Livsmedelsvetenskap (hsv//swe)

AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES  -- Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries -- Food Science (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Grounded theory

sport identity

self-esteem

sports nutrition

weight loss

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