Patterns of rapid weight loss in elite sambo athletes

Abstract Background Rapid weight loss (RWL) is commonly practiced in combat sports. Both magnitude and methods used to induce RWL are largely similar among sports, but currently, there no data on methodology by sambo athletes. Therefore, the aim of this study was determine procedures athletes apply lose rapidly. Methods The sample consisted 199 participants, which 132 males 67 females who participated World Sambo Championship 2020 held Novi Sad, Serbia. Each participant received questionnaire that available multiple languages, every instructed how fill it out. Results Almost 87% participants declared have intentionally cut their prior competition, whereby 5.27 kg (SD: ±7.57) lost. Gradual dieting, sauna use skipping meals were most dominant reduce competition while more extreme such as laxatives, diuretics, diet pills vomiting also implemented much smaller fragment involved. Conclusions Findings from our match with previously conducted studies terms prevalence, sport athletes, especially judo wrestling. Knowing hazardous consequences RWL, alternative sustainable should be considered.