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Victory above all: the weight loss practices and perceptions of Chinese male kickboxers.

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Objectives: Kickboxing is a dynamic combat sport (CS) in which two competitors engage in full-force strikes using their hands, elbows, knees, shins, and feet. To ensure athletes compete against opponents of similar body size and weight for fairness, kickboxing competition is classified according to weight classes. Previous studies revealed that CS athletes tend to intentionally lose weight to gain a competitive advantage over their opponents. However, little is known about weight loss (WL) practices in kickboxers and the perceptions of CS athletes about WL. The aim of this study is to investigate the WL practices and perceptions of Chinese male kickboxers. Methods: A total of 152 Chinese male kickboxers completed the adapted Rapid WL Questionnaire. Participants were categorized by age group, weight category, competitive level, attitude toward impact of WL on health, and performance. Results: > 0.05). Conclusions: The prevalence of WL among Chinese male kickboxers is relatively low when compared to other CS, but the magnitude is relatively higher compared with previous studies. Their WL practices are mainly guided by kickboxing coach, and the primary reasons of WL is to gain a competitive advantage and improve performance.

Source: PubMed

DOI: 10.7717/peerj.19709

Authors: Fanjie Meng, Yuming Zhong, Zhao Zhang, Zihan Ren

Institutions: Henan Sport University, Shanghai University of Sport, Krirk University, Henan University

Language: English

Topic: Martial Arts: Techniques, Psychology, and Education

Subfield: Safety Research

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W4412424795

FWCI: 3.184

Cites:

Cited by: 3

Related to: 10