Body Mass Management Practices of Olympic Weightlifting Athletes

This study explored the body mass (BM) management practices among competitive male and female Olympic weightlifting athletes, hypothesizing that athletes compete in lighter weight categories than their habitual training weight (i.e., making weight). Utilizing a validated, anonymous survey, data were collected from 149 Olympic weightlifting athletes ( > 18 years; female = 94). The survey comprised fi ve sections: demographics, training/competition history, weight history, source of in fl uence, and BM management practices. The prevalence, magnitude, and methods employed for BM management were analyzed with subgroup analysis using one-way analysis of variance. Post hoc testing including Spearman ' s rho and chi-square analysis was completed when a signi fi cant effect was found. Three quarters (76%) of athletes acknowledged using chronic weight loss and/or acute weight loss strategies to make weight. Usual BM loss (2% - 3%) in the week before competition was within recommended guidelines. Gradual dieting, fl uid restriction, and low food weight, high-calorie options were the most commonly used BM management strategies. Female athletes were more likely to use gradual dieting ( p = .043; r = .104) and were less likely to increase their exercise ( p = .046; r = - .105) and utilize fasting ( p = .038; r = .05) compared with their male counterparts. Women further identi fi ed dietitians/nutritionists ( p = .006; r = .022) as a highly in fl uential source of information. This research offers new insights into the BM management practices of Olympic weightlifting athletes, identifying that the majority of athletes compete at a BM lighter than their habitual training weight, achieved using a range of chronic weight loss and acute weight loss strategies.