Article Text
Abstract
(n = 25)
Objective To determine the weight control strategies used by Sri Lankan national Taekwondo players who were in the SAG (South Asian Games) pool 2020.
Design A population study.
Setting and Participants Sri Lankan national taekwondo pool (n=25). The national taekwondo pool consists of 14 female athletes and 15 male athletes who engage in sparring.
Assessment of Risk Factors Duration of administration was June to August of 2020 in Sri Lanka. Weight loss training methods were identified as the independent variable. Data were collected through questionnaires; mainly weight loss methods and eating attitude questionnaire.
Main Outcome Measurements Physiological and psychological effects of weight loss methods and eating disorders were considered as the dependent variable.
Results Of the 25 participants, 40% of the athletes reported using a method of rapid weight loss. Five methods were more frequently used, as follows: reduce food consumption 68%, skipping meals 28%, fasting 32%, restricting fluids 72% and using ergogenic aids 12%. The highest weight loss rate before the competition is 6.00±1.50 (kg) in males and 6.00±1.00 (kg) in females. Athletes reported to usually lose ~2% of their body weight. The athletes do not use ergogenic aids and the frequency percentage of physiological and psychological adverse effects of rapid weight loss is very low. Athletes of 48% of athletes having eating disorders and need for an investigation by a qualified professional. Of them, 60% are using rapid weight loss method.
Conclusions According to the results, the rapid weight loss training methods, lead to significant undernutrition, with potential dangers for health and performance because of certain deficiencies.