Journal article
Body Mass Management Practices of Olympic Weightlifting Athletes
International Journal of Sport Nutrition & Exercise Metabolism, Vol.35(1), pp.67-75
2025
Abstract
This study explored the body mass (BM) management practices among competitive male and female Olympic weightlifting athletes, hypothesizing that athletes compete in lighter weight categories than their habitual training weight (i.e., making weight). Utilizing a validated, anonymous survey, data were collected from 149 Olympic weightlifting athletes (>18 years; female = 94). The survey comprised five sections: demographics, training/competition history, weight history, source of influence, and BM management practices. The prevalence, magnitude, and methods employed for BM management were analyzed with subgroup analysis using one-way analysis of variance. Post hoc testing including Spearman’s rho and chi-square analysis was completed when a significant effect was found. Three quarters (76%) of athletes acknowledged using chronic weight loss and/or acute weight loss strategies to make weight. Usual BM loss (2%–3%) in the week before competition was within recommended guidelines. Gradual dieting, fluid restriction, and low food weight, high-calorie options were the most commonly used BM management strategies. Female athletes were more likely to use gradual dieting ( p = .043; r = .104) and were less likely to increase their exercise ( p = .046; r = −.105) and utilize fasting ( p = .038; r = .05) compared with their male counterparts. Women further identified dietitians/nutritionists ( p = .006; r = .022) as a highly influential source of information. This research offers new insights into the BM management practices of Olympic weightlifting athletes, identifying that the majority of athletes compete at a BM lighter than their habitual training weight, achieved using a range of chronic weight loss and acute weight loss strategies.
Details
- Title
- Body Mass Management Practices of Olympic Weightlifting Athletes
- Authors
- Amie M Cox (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of HealthCarl Langan-Evans - Liverpool John Moores UniversityDavid Jenkins - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Sports & Exercise ScienceReid Reale - UFC Performance Institute (China)Fiona Pelly - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Nutrition & DieteticsGary J. Slater - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Nutrition & Dietetics
- Publication details
- International Journal of Sport Nutrition & Exercise Metabolism, Vol.35(1), pp.67-75
- Publisher
- Human Kinetics, Inc.
- Date published
- 2025
- DOI
- 10.1123/ijsnem.2024-0064
- ISSN
- 1543-2742
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health - Nutrition & Dietetics
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991068430502621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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- Domestic collaboration
- International collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Nutrition & Dietetics
- Sport Sciences
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Source: InCites