Physiological and psychological investigation of weight loss methods and effects of elite sportsmen

This study was planned to examine the physiological and psychological aspects of weight loss methods used by elite athletes and their effects. A total of 140 elite athletes aged 15-21 in judo, taekwondo and wrestling, who experienced pre-competition weight loss, were included in the study. The socio-demographic characteristics of the athletes, their knowledge about their sports life, their weight loss stories, and their physical activity levels were learned through the questionnaire. In addition, the "athlete weight loss methods and effects scale" was used to determine the weight loss methods used by athletes while losing weight and the levels of these methods. The mood profile scale (POMS) was applied to measure the mood profile level, which is a result of physiological effects. 31 of the participants are women (22.1%), 109 of them are men (77.9%), 112 (80%) of them are between 15-18 years old, and 28 (20%) of them are between 19-21 years old. Women prefer the diet method more than men (p <0.05), but there was no significant difference between genders with the use of other methods (p> 0.05). It was determined that the use of ergogenic methods increased as the age and educational status increased, and the health status worsened as the use of rapid weight loss methods increased (p <0.05). It was found that there is a positive and significant relationship between the use of rapid weight loss methods and the level of anger-aggression, and a significant negative relationship between the vigor-active mood level. It has been observed that fast weight loss methods have an effect on moods affecting psychology (p <0.05). As a result; It was concluded that fast weight loss methods negatively affect athletes physiologically and psychologically. For this reason, it will be important for the physical and mental health of the athlete to bring policies to reduce unhealthy weight loss in athletes.