Weight Loss, Performance and Psychological Related States in High-level Weightlifters

 

 Buy Article Permissions and Reprints

Abstract

We examined the effects of a rapid weight loss on dietary intakes, psychological parameters and physical performance of 11 international weightlifters. During the first period (T₁), all subjects maintained their body weight and participated in a simulated weightlifting competition. Then, they were assigned into 2 groups depending on whether they lost (Group 2) or maintained (Group 1) their body weight over 6 days. A battery of tests was performed at T₁ and after a 6-day food restriction (T₂), including assessment for body composition, performance, evaluation of mood states and fatigue. Dietary data were collected using a 6-day diet record. A 4.34% reduction of body weight was achieved by a significant reduction of total energy intakes (− 40%), inducing a significant alteration of the general recovery score (p<0.05) and evaluated through the Recovery-Stress Questionnaire for Athletes. Increase in conflicts/pressure, emotional stress and physical complaints were observed. Intakes of vitamins B₁, B₃, B_6, B₉ and magnesium were significantly lower than the recommendations during the weight loss period. However, the food restriction did not impair weightlifting performance. Reduced energy and micronutrient intakes, inducing a rapid weight loss, could be a limiting factor to training adaptations and a threat towards athlete’s health if frequently used.

• References

• 1 Achten J, Halson SL, Moseley L, Rayson MP, Casey A, Jeukendrup AE. Higher dietary carbohydrate content during intensified running training results in better maintenance of performance and mood state. J Appl Physiol 2004; 96: 1331-1340
  CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
• 2 Angelo G, Drake VJ, Frei B. Efficacy of multivitamin/mineral supplementation to reduce chronic disease risk: a critical review of the evidence from observational studies and randomized controlled trials. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2014; 18: 0 [Epub ahead of print]
  PubMedGoogle Scholar
• 3 Artioli GG, Gualano B, Franchini E, Scagliusi FB, Takesian M, Fuchs M, Lancha AH. Prevalence, magnitude, and methods of rapid weight loss among judo competitors. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2010; 42: 436-442
  PubMedGoogle Scholar
• 4 Artioli GG, Iglesias RT, Franchini E, Gualano B, Kashiwagura DB, Solis MY, Lancha AH. Rapid weight loss followed by recovery time does not affect judo-related performance. J Sports Sci 2010; 28: 21-32
  CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
• 5 Beedie CJ, Terry PC, Lane AM. The profile of mood states and athletic performance: two meta-analyses. J Appl Sport Psychol 2000; 12: 49-68
  CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
• 6 Bijlani RL, Sharma KN. Effect of dehydration and a few regimes of rehydration on human performance. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol 1980; 24: 255-266
  PubMedGoogle Scholar
• 7 Brownell KD, Steen SN, Wilmore JH. Weight regulation practices in athletes: analysis of metabolic and health effects. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1987; 19: 546-556
  PubMedGoogle Scholar
• 8 Burke LM. Weight-making sports. In: Burke LM. (eds.) Practical Sports Nutrition. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics; 2007: 289-312
  Google Scholar
• 9 Castagna C, Ganzetti M, Ditroilo M, Giovannelli M, Rocchetti A, Manzi V. Concurrent validity of vertical jump performance assessment systems. J Strength Cond Res 2013; 27: 761-768
  CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
• 10 Cayrou S, Dickes P, Gauvain-Picquard A, Dolbeault S, Callahan S, Roge B. Validation de la traduction française du Profile of Mood States (POMS). Psychologie et Psychométrie 2000; 21: 5-22
  PubMedGoogle Scholar
• 11 Choma CW, Sforzo GA, Keller BA. Impact of rapid weight loss on cognitive function in collegiate wrestlers. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1998; 30: 746-754
  CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
• 12 Degoutte F, Jouanel P, Filaire E. Energy demands during a judo match and recovery. Br J Sports Med 2003; 37: 245-253
  CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
• 13 Degoutte F, Jouanel P, Bègue RJ, Colombier M, Lac G, Pequignot JM, Filaire E. Food restriction, performance, biochemical, psychological, and endocrine changes in judo athletes. Int J Sports Med 2006; 27: 9-18
  Article in Thieme ConnectPubMedGoogle Scholar
• 14 Durnin JVGA, Rahaman MM. The assessment of the amount of fat in the human body from measurement of skinfold thickness. Br J Nutr 1967; 21: 681-690
  CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
• 15 Filaire E, Maso F, Degoutte F, Jouanel P, Lac G. Food restriction, performance, psychological state and lipid values in judo athletes. Int J Sports Med 2001; 22: 454-463
  Article in Thieme ConnectPubMedGoogle Scholar
• 16 Fillion L, Gagnon P. French adaptation of the shortened version of the Profile of Mood States. Psychol Rep 1999; 84: 188-190
  CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
• 17 Finn KJ, Dolgener FA, Williams RB. Effects of carbohydrate refeeding on physiological responses and psychological and physical performance following acute weight reduction in collegiate wrestlers. J Strength Cond Res 2004; 18: 328-333
  PubMedGoogle Scholar
• 18 Fogelholm GM, Koskinen R, Laakso J, Rankinen T, Ruokonen I. Gradual and rapid weight loss: effects on nutrition and performance in male athletes. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1993; 25: 371-377
  PubMedGoogle Scholar
• 19 Foster GD, Wadden TA, Peterson FJ, Letizia KA, Bartlett SJ, Conill AM. A controlled comparison of three very-low caloric diets; effects on weight, body composition, and symptoms. Am J Clin Nutr 1992; 55: 811-817
  PubMedGoogle Scholar
• 20 Glatthorn JF, Gouge S, Nussbaumer S, Stauffacher S, Impellizzeri FM, Maffiuletti NA. Validity and reliability of Optojump photoelectric cells for estimating vertical jump height. J Strength Cond Res 2011; 25: 556-560
  CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
• 21 Hall CJ, Lane AM. Effects of rapid weight loss on mood and performance among amateur boxers. Br J Sports Med 2001; 35: 390-395
  CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
• 22 Harriss DJ, Atkinson G. Ethical standards in sport and exercise science research: 2014 Update. Int J Sports Med 2013; 34: 1025-1028
  Article in Thieme ConnectPubMedGoogle Scholar
• 23 Helms E, Zinn C, Rowlands D, Brown S. A systematic review of dietary protein during caloric restriction in resistance trained lean athletes: a case for higher intakes. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2014; 24: 127-138
  PubMedGoogle Scholar
• 24 Helms ER, Zinn C, Rowlands DS, Naidoo R, Cronin J. High-protein low-fat short-term diet results in less stress and fatigue than moderate-protein moderate-fat diet during weight loss in male weightlifters, a pilot study. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2014; 25: 163-170
  PubMedGoogle Scholar
• 25 Hopkins W. Sample sizes for magnitude-based inferences about clinical, practical or mechanistic significance. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2006; 38: S528-S529
  PubMedGoogle Scholar
• 26 Horswill CA, Hickner RC, Scott JR, Costill DL, Gould D. Weight loss, dietary carbohydrate modifications and high-intensity physical performance. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1990; 22: 470-475
  PubMedGoogle Scholar
• 27 Ivy JL. Muscle glycogen synthesis before and after exercise. Sports Med 1991; 11: 6-19
  CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
• 28 Jlid MC, Maffulli N, Elloumi M, Moalla W, Paillard T. Rapid weight loss alters muscular performance and perceived exertion as well as postural control in elite wrestlers. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2013; 53: 620-626
  PubMedGoogle Scholar
• 29 Kamandulis S, Snieckus A, Venckunas T, Aagaard P, Masiulis N, Skurvydas A. Rapid increase in training load affects markers of skeletal muscle damage and mechanical performance. J Strength Cond Res 2012; 26: 2953-2961
  CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
• 30 Kellmann M, Kallus KW. (ed.) Recovery-Stress Questionnaire for athletes. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics; 2001: 65
• 31 Koral J, Dosseville F. Combination of gradual and rapid weight loss: effects on physical performance and psychological state of elite judo athletes. J Sports Sci 2009; 27: 115-120
  CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
• 32 Loria-Kohen V, Gómez-Candela C, Palma-Milla S, Amador-Sastre B, Hernanz A, Bermejo LM. A pilot study of folic acid supplementation for improving homocysteine levels, cognitive and depressive status in eating disorders. Nutr Hosp 2013; 28: 807-815
  PubMedGoogle Scholar
• 33 Markovic G, Dizdr D, Jukic I, Cardinale M. Reliability and factorial validity of squat and countermovement jump tests. J Strength Cond Res 2004; 18: 551-555
  PubMedGoogle Scholar
• 34 Martin A. (ed.) Apports nutritionnels conseillés pour la population française. 3^rd edition CNERNA-CNRS: Editions Lavoisier; 2001
• 35 Martinent G, Decret JC, Isoard-Gautheur S, Filaire E, Ferrand C. Evaluations of the psychometric properties of the Recovery-Stress Questionnaire for Athletes among a sample of young French table tennis players. Psychol Rep 2014; 114: 326-340
  CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
• 36 Marttinen RHJ, Judelson DA, Wiersma LD, Coburn JW. Effects of self-selected mass loss on performance and mood in collegiate wrestlers. J Strength Cond Res 2011; 25: 1010-1015
  CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
• 37 Mc Nair D, Lorr M, Droppleman LF. (ed.) Manual for the Profile of Mood States. San Diego, CA: Educational and Industrial Testing Services; 1971
• 38 Mero A, Huovinen H, Matintupa O, Hulmi J, Puurtinen R, Hohtari H, Karila T. Moderate energy restriction with high protein diet results in healthier outcome in women. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 2010; 7: 4
  CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
• 39 Millet P, Guilland JC, Fuchs F, Klepping J. Nutrient intake and vitamin status of healthy French vegetarians and nonvegetarians. Am J Clin Nutr 1989; 50: 718-727
  PubMedGoogle Scholar
• 40 Morgan W, Costill DL, Flynn M, Raglin JS, O’Connor PJ. Mood disturbance following increased training in swimmers. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1988; 20: 408-412
  CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
• 41 National Collegiate Athletic Association (ed.) NCAA Wrestling Rules and Interpretations. Indianapolis, In: National Collegiate Athletic Association; 2003
  Google Scholar
• 42 Pettersson S, Ekström MP, Berg CM. The food and weight combat. A problematic fight for the elite combat sports athlete. Appetite 2012; 59: 234-241
  CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
• 43 Pettersson S, Ekström MP, Berg CM. Practices of weight regulation among elite athletes in combat sports: a matter of mental advantage?. J Athl Train 2013; 48: 99-108
  PubMedGoogle Scholar
• 44 Pettersson S, Berg CM. Hydration status in elite wrestlers, judokas, boxers, and taekwondo athletes on competition day. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2014; 24: 267-275
  PubMedGoogle Scholar
• 45 Phillips SM. A brief review of higher dietary protein diets in weight loss: a focus on athletes. Sports Med 2014; 44: 149-153
  CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
• 46 Pilis K, Michalski C, Zych M, Pilis A, Jelonek J, Kaczmarzyk A. A nutritional evaluation of dietary behaviour in various professional sports. Rocz Panstw Zakl Hig 2014; 65: 227-234
  PubMedGoogle Scholar
• 47 Pulkkinen WJ. (ed.) The sport science of elite judo athletes: a review and application for training. Guelph, ON: Pulkinetics; 2001
• 48 Rankin JW, Ocel JO, Craft L. Effect of weight loss and refeeding diet composition on anaerobic performance in wrestlers. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1996; 28: 1292-1300
  CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
• 49 Reljic D, Jost J, Dickau K, Kinscherf R, Bonaterra G, Friedmann-Bette B. Effects of pre-competitional rapid weight loss on nutrition, vitamin status and oxidative stress in elite boxers. J Sports Sci 2014; 32: 1-12
  CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
• 50 Sawyer JC, Wood RJ, Davidson PW, Collins SM, Matthews TD, Gregory SM, Paolone VJ. Effects of a short-term carbohydrate-restricted diet on strength and power performance. J Strength Cond Res 2013; 27: 2255-2262
  CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
• 51 Steen SN, Brownell KD. Pattern of weight loss and regain in wrestlers: has the tradition changed?. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1990; 22: 762-768
  CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
• 52 Storey A, Smith HK. Unique aspects of competitive weightlifting: performance, training and physiology. Sports Med 2012; 42: 769-790
  CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
• 53 Su-Vi-Max (ed.) Portions alimentaires. Manuel photos pour l’estimation des quantités. Paris: Editions Polytechnica; 1994
  Google Scholar
• 54 Timpmann S, Burk A, Medijainen L, Tamm M, Kreegipuu K, Vähi M, Unt E, Ööpik V. Dietary sodium citrate supplementation enhances rehydration and recovery from rapid body mass loss in trained wrestlers. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab 2012; 37: 1028-1037
  CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
• 55 Too D, Wakayama L, Locati L, Landwer GE. Effect of precompetition bodybuilding diet and training regimen on body composition and blood chemistry. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 1998; 38: 245-252
  PubMedGoogle Scholar
• 56 Vidailhet M. (ed.) Apports nutritionnels conseillés pour enfants et adolescents sportifs de haut niveau de performance. Paris: Editions Lavoisier; 2004
• 57 Viitasalo JT, Kyröläinen H, Bosco C, Alen M. Effects of rapid weight reduction on force production and vertical jumping height. Int J Sports Med 1987; 8: 281-285
  Article in Thieme ConnectPubMedGoogle Scholar
• 58 Wilson G, Chester N, Eubank M, Crighton B, Drust B, Morton JP, Close GL. An alternative dietary strategy to make weight while improving mood, decreasing body fat, and not dehydrating: a case study of a professional jockey. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2012; 22: 225-231
  PubMedGoogle Scholar
• 59 Wilson G, Drust B, Morton JP, Close GL. Weight-making strategies in professional jockeys: implications for physical and mental health and well-being. Sports Med 2014; 44: 785-796
  CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
• 60 Woolf K, Manore M. B vitamins and exercise: does exercise alter requirements?. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2006; 16: 453-484
  PubMedGoogle Scholar