Relationship Between Weight Loss Experience And Subsequent Health Status In Growing Female Judo Athletes

Judo, a weight class sport, often involves implement weight loss strategies. However, implementing these strategies without proper expertise can pose health risks and easy weight loss can threaten lifelong health. Furthermore, in female athletes, diet during the junior period has a significant impact on normal hormone secretion and bone formation. However, the implementation of weight loss and subsequent health status in junior female judo athletes remains unclear. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to clarify whether or not high school female judo athletes had lost weight in the past and the effect on their subsequent health status. METHODS: A questionnaire survey was conducted from January to February 2023 among high school female judo athletes in Japan. Questions were asked about whether or not they had experienced weight loss in junior high school, their current rank and height, menstrual cycle and symptoms, dietary habits, and sleep. Statistical analysis was conducted using an unrepeated two-way analysis of variance (group x class) for height, and an unpaired t-test for menstrual complications in order to compare weight loss experience in middle school and subsequent health status. Relationships between variables were examined using Pearson correlation coefficient. RESULTS: A total of 512 first- through third-year high school students responded to the survey. Of the valid responses, 439 had continued judo in junior high and high school. Of these, 56% had experienced weight loss in middle school and 44% had not. Current height was significantly lower in the group that experienced weight loss in middle school compared to the group that did not (Experienced: 155.8 ± 5.1 cm, No experienced: 157.6 ± 4.9 cm, p < 0.05). There was a significant difference in height between the weight class (p < 0.01). Current menstrual cycle and menstrual symptoms did not differ by weight loss experience in middle school, and menstrual symptoms were significantly correlated with current dietary habits and sleep duration. CONCLUSIONS: Weight loss during junior high school was related to current height growth, suggesting that weight loss may have an effect on development. On the other hand, the current menstrual cycle and menstrual symptoms were not affected, and these were likely to be influenced by the current lifestyle.