Effects of acute weight loss on serum mineral homeostasis in elite male judoka

Background: Acute weight loss practices among judoka, typically aimed at qualifying for a lower weight class to gain a competitive advantage, may pose significant health risks. Maintaining optimal serum mineral levels is critical for both physiological function and athletic performance. This study aimed to examine the effect of acute weight loss on serum mineral concentrations in elite male judoka. Methods: The study included 32 elite-level male judoka who were participating in the Turkish Judo Championship and were selected through convenience sampling. Among these athletes, 15 individuals who engaged in rapid weight loss were assigned to experimental group, while the remaining 17 athletes who did not undergo weight reduction were assigned to control group. Demographic data, including age, height, and training experience, were collected using standardized forms. Body weight and venous blood samples were obtained at two time points: one week and one day prior to the competition. Weight, body mass index (BMI), and serum concentrations of sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and chloride were analyzed. Paired Samples T-Test and Independent Samples T-Test were utilized to assess within-group and between-group differences, respectively. Results: In the experimental group, post-test values demonstrated a statistically significant increase in serum sodium levels (p < 0.05), along with notable decreases in magnesium and chloride concentrations (p < 0.05). No significant changes were detected in the other serum minerals within the experimental group or in any parameter among the control group. Moreover, post-intervention sodium levels were found to be significantly higher in the experimental group when compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Acute weight loss results in measurable alterations in specific serum mineral levels among elite male judoka, emphasizing the potential health risks of rapid weight reduction strategies in high-level competitive sports. These findings underscore the need for evidence-based guidance on weight management practices among athletes.

Weight loss; Judo; Mineral

[1] İrfan Y. Associations among dehydration, testosterone and stress hormones in terms of body weight loss before competition. The American Journal of the Medical Sciences. 2015; 350: 103–108.

[2] Martínez-Aranda LM, Sanz-Matesanz M, Orozco-Durán G, González-Fernández FT, Rodríguez-García L, Guadalupe-Grau A. Effects of different rapid weight loss strategies and percentages on performance-related parameters in combat sports: an updated systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2023; 20: 5158.

[3] Sarıakçalı B, Şahin FN, Başoğlu B, Ceylan L, Güler Ö, Yamak B, et al. The dual impact: physiological and psychological effects of rapid weight loss in wrestling. Frontiers in Psychology. 2025; 15: 1513129.

[4] Heffernan SM, Horner K, De Vito G, Conway GE. The role of mineral and trace element supplementation in exercise and athletic performance: a systematic review. Nutrients. 2019; 11: 696.

[5] Barley OR, Chapman DW, Abbiss CR. The current state of weight-cutting in combat sports. Sports. 2019; 7: 123.

[6] Kons RL, Athayde MSDS, Follmer B, Detanico D. Methods and magnitudes of rapid weight loss in judo athletes over pre-competition periods. Human Movement. 2017; 18: 49–55.

[7] Çağlar EÇ, Ceylan L, Ağralı Ermiş S, Çamiçi F, Eliöz M, Uzun RN, et al. Rapid weight loss and combat athletes: a study on psychological resilience and mechanical hyperalgesia. Frontiers in Psychology. 2025; 16: 1545048.

[8] Yasul Y, Akçınar F, Yasul ME, Kurtoğlu A, Eken Ö, Badicu G, et al. Effects of short-term pre-competition weight loss on certain physiological parameters and strength change in elite boxers. PLOS ONE. 2024; 19: e0304267.

[9] Fortes LS, Costa BDV, Paes PP, Cyrino ES, Vianna JM, Franchini E. Effect of rapid weight loss on physical performance in judo athletes: is rapid weight loss a help for judokas with weight problems? International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport. 2017; 17: 763–773.

[10] Bhardwaj P. Types of sampling in research. Journal of the Practice of Cardiovascular Sciences. 2019; 5: 157–163.

[11] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Hyperthermia and dehydration-related deaths associated with intentional rapid weight loss in three collegiate wrestlers—North Carolina, Wisconsin, and Michigan, November–December 1997. The Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 1998; 47: 105–108.

[12] Litsky F. Collegiate wrestling deaths raise fears about training. 1997. Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/1997/12/26/opinion/l-collegiate-wrestling-768120.html (Accessed: 15 January 2025).

[13] Artioli GG, Iglesias RT, Franchini E, Gualano B, Kashiwagura DB, Solis MY, et al. Rapid weight loss followed by recovery time does not affect judo-related performance. Journal of Sports Sciences. 2010; 28: 21–32.

[14] Fortes LS, Lira HAAS, Andrade J, Oliveira SFM, Paes PP, Vianna JM, et al. Mood response after two weeks of rapid weight reduction in judokas. Archives of Budo. 2018; 14: 125–132.

[15] Ozkan I, Ibrahim CH. Dehydration, skeletal muscle damage and inflammation before the competitions among the elite wrestlers. Journal of Physical Therapy Science. 2016; 28: 162–168.

[16] Öcal D. Searching some blood parametres for indication of dehydration following training in swimmers [master’s thesis]. Institute of Health Sciences. 2007.

[17] Reljic D, Hässler E, Jost J, Friedmann-Bette B. Rapid weight loss and the body fluid balance and hemoglobin mass of elite amateur boxers. Journal of Athletic Training. 2013; 48: 109–117.

[18] Demirkan E. The body composition changes and hydration statuses of cadet wrestling national team athletes (15–17 age) during a camp [master’s thesis]. Kırıkkale: Kırıkkale University Institute of Health Sciences. 2007.

[19] Alpay CB, Ersöz Y, Karagöz Ş, Oskoueı M. A comparison of weight loss, body composition and some mineral levels before competition in elite wrestlers. International Journal of Sport Culture and Science. 2015; 3: 338–348.

[20] Williams MH. Dietary supplements and sports performance: minerals. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2005; 2: 43–49.

[21] Fogelholm GM, Koskinen R, Laakso J, Rankinen T, Ruokonen I. Gradual and rapid weight loss: effects on nutrition and performance in male athletes. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 1993; 25: 371–377.

[22] Rivera-Brown A, Rowland T, Ramírez-Marrero F, Santacana G, Vann A. Exercise tolerance in a hot and humid climate in heat-acclimatized girls and women. International Journal of Sports Medicine. 2006; 27: 943–950.

[23] Kenefick RW, Hazzard MP, Mahood NV, Castellani JW. Thirst sensations and AVP responses at rest and during exercise-cold exposure. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 2004; 36: 1528–1534.

[24] Noakes TD, Sharwood K, Speedy D, Hew T, Reid S, Dugas J, et al. Three independent biological mechanisms cause exercise-associated hyponatremia: evidence from 2,135 weighed competitive athletic performances. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 2005; 102: 18550–18555.