Psychological Perspectives on Weight Gain and Loss: Experiences of Olympic Combat Sports Athletes
Abstract
This study aims to examine the physical, psychological, and social difficulties experienced by Olympic-level combat athletes during weight management processes. A qualitative approach was adopted and a phenomenological design was used to explore in depth the lived experiences of athletes in both weight gain and weight loss practices. The study group consisted of 15 athletes (Mean age = 28.93 years) who represented Turkey in combat sports at the Olympic Games and were selected using maximum variation sampling. Data were collected between October and December 2024 through a semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed using thematic analysis. Main themes such as physical and psychological challenges, dietary strategies, and social support mechanisms were revealed. Findings showed that athletes experienced physiological problems such as dehydration, energy loss, and muscle fatigue during rapid weight loss, as well as psychological problems including stress, anxiety, and burnout. Beyond individual symptoms, the study highlighted the role of resilience, coaching guidance, and social environment as critical factors shaping weight management strategies. Athletes emphasized that professional guidance from coaches, dietitians, and psychologists enabled them to adopt healthier approaches, while insufficient support often led to risky practices. Another important finding was that the long-term health consequences of extreme weight management included chronic fatigue and decreased well-being, whereas gradual and conscious methods contributed positively to health and performance. This research contributes to the literature by presenting first-hand accounts of Olympic-level athletes and underlining the multidimensional nature of weight management. In conclusion, it is recommended that comprehensive support and preventive education be provided at both individual and institutional levels in order to optimize athletic performance while protecting long-term health.
Keywords
Oliympics, Combat Athletes, Weight Management
Ethical Statement
Osmaniye Korkut Ata Üniversitesi Öğretim Üyesi Arş. Gör. Muhammed Said YANAR’ın06.01.2025 tarih ve E.214013 kayıt sayılı başvurusunda belirtilen, “Psychological Perspectives on
Weight Gain and Loss: Experiences of Olympic Combat Sports Athletes” başlıklı araştırmasınıyapabilmesinin Sağlık Bilimleri Araştırma Etik Kurulu ilkelerine göre uygun olduğu kanaatine varılarak;araştırma için bu belgenin "Etik Kurul Onay Belgesi" olarak verilmesine toplantıya katılanüyelerimizin oy birliği ile karar verilmiştir.
References
- Alwan, N., Moss, S., Elliott-Sale, K., Davies, I., & Enright, K. (2019). A narrative review on female physique athletes: The physiological and psychological implications of weight management practices. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 29(6), 1-8. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Barley, O., Chapman, D., & Abbiss, C. (2017). Weight Loss strategies in combat sports and concerning habits in mixed martial arts. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 13(7), 933-939. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Barley, O., Chapman, D., & Abbiss, C. (2019). The current state of weight-cutting in combat sports. Sports, 7(5), 123. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Borra, V., De Brier, N., Berry, D., Zideman, D., Singletary, E., & De Buck, E. (2023). Oral rehydration beverages for treating exercise-associated dehydration: a systematic review. Part I: carbohydrate-electrolyte solutions. Journal of Athletic Training, 60(1), 34-54. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Brechney, G., Cannon, J., & Goodman, S. (2022). Effects of weight cutting on exercise performance in combat athletes: A meta-analysis. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 17(7), 995–1010. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Bueno, J., Silva, R., Diotaiuti, P., Andreato, L., & Andrade, A. (2023). Effect of rapid weight loss on mood states and burnout of Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes during a competitive process. Frontiers in Psychology, 14(1114816). [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Cosh, S., & Tully, P. (2015). Stressors, coping, and support mechanisms for student athletes combining elite sport and tertiary education: Implications for practice. The Sport Psychologist, 29(2), 120-133. [CrossRef]
- Çam, M. K., Durhan, T. A., Türkmen, E., Kurtipek, S., Akgül, B. M., Güngör, N. B., & Uzun, R. N. (2024). Left over from sports: leisure motivation in predicting quality of life in male athletes. Journal of Men’s Health, 29(7), 120-131. [CrossRef]
- Daley, M., Shoop, J., & Christino, M. (2023). Mental Health in the Specialized Athlete. Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine, 16, 410-418. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Davis, P., Halvarsson, A., Lundström, W., & Lundqvist, C. (2019). Alpine ski coaches’ and athletes’ perceptions of factors ınfluencing adaptation to stress in the classroom and on the slopes. Frontiers in Psychology, 10(1641). [CrossRef] [PubMed]