Perceptions and motivation of top-level judokas from Côte d’Ivoire about practice of rapid weight loss

Abstract

This study determined the perceptions, the motivation, and the different methods of rapid weight loss (RWL) and its consequences concerning elite judokas in Côte d’Ivoire. Twelve judokas finalists from the 2018 National Championship, including two women, participated in this study conducted as a series of semi-structured individual interviews. Judokas' perception of RWL, motivation for its use and actual practices in terms of frequencies and techniques were investigated. More than two-thirds of the participants (70%) believe that RWL does not have any consequences on health. They achieve their weight loss by combining several techniques (food deprivation, plastic sun drills, additional training and use of laxatives). They performed RWL for less than a week at a frequency of 3 to 4 times a year. The main reasons for employing this practice are the desire to win, the fear of opponents and encouragement from coaches. This survey revealed that judokas in Côte d'Ivoire are not well aware of the consequences of RWL, but that they practise it frequently. There is a need to raise awareness and also to inform judokas about the potential risks of this practice.

Keywords: Competition; Dehydration; Food deprivation; Judo; Rapid weight loss (RWL).