Comparison of prevalence of methods of weight loss pre-competition in different categories

Judo athletes often use in previous periods of competitions, methods for rapid weight loss. This purpose of this practice is benefit the athlete, competing in a lower weight category and tries to regain weight in a short space of time between the weigh-in and competition. However, the use of this practice without professional supervision may be harmful to the health of the athlete. Objective: Investigate the methods and strategies used for weight loss in judo competitors at the national level and different categories. Methods: 60 athletes the national levels, male and female, of different ages (juvenile, junior, senior and master) answered a questionnaire regarding the use or not of methods for weight loss and what are the strategies loss weight often used in the pre-competition period. Results: 80% (juvenile), 69.6% (junior), 88.9% (senior) and 100% (master) use methods of weight loss pre-competition, and 70% (juvenile), 69.6% (junior), 77.8% (senior) and 77.7% (master) reported their performance impaired by the use of these strategies. Conclusion: We found that a much higher judo athletes from different age categories, makes use of methods or strategies for rapid weight loss. This fact has shown a direct deleterious effect on the physical and emotional performance of athletes during competitions.