Weight Loss Practices of College Wrestlers

2003 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert A. Oppliger ◽  
Suzanne A. Nelson Steen ◽  
James R. Scott
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Bulimia Nervosa ◽  
Weight Management ◽  
Weight Control ◽  
Weight Class ◽  
Primary Methods ◽  
Control Rules ◽  
Winning Percentage ◽  
Division Ii

Purpose: The purpose of this investigation was to examine the weight management (WM) behaviors of collegiate wrestlers after the implementation of the NCAA’s new weight control rules. Methods: In the fall of 1999, a survey was distributed to 47 college wrestling teams stratified by collegiate division (i.e., I, II, III) and competitive quality. Forty-three teams returned surveys for a total of 741 responses. Comparisons were made using the collegiate division, weight class, and the wrestler’s competitive winning percentage. Results: The most weight lost during the season was 5.3 kg ± 2.8 kg (mean ± SD) or 6.9% ± 4.7% of the wrestler’s weight; weekly weight lost averaged 2.9 kg ± 1.3 kg or 4.3% ± 2.3% of the wrestler’s weight; post-season, the average wrestler regained 5.5 kg ± 3.6 kg or 8.6% ± 5.4% of their weight. Coaches and fellow wrestlers were the primary influence on weight loss methods; however, 40.2% indicated that the new NCAA rules deterred extreme weight loss behaviors. The primary methods of weight loss reported were gradual dieting (79.4%) and increased exercise (75.2%). However, 54.8% fasted, 27.6% used saunas, and 26.7% used rubber/ plastic suits at least once a month. Cathartics and vomiting were seldom used to lose weight, and only 5 met three or more of the criteria for bulimia nervosa. WM behaviors were more extreme among freshmen, lighter weight classes, and Division II wrestlers. Compared to previous surveys of high school wrestlers, this cohort of wrestlers reported more extreme WM behaviors. However, compared to college wrestlers in the 1980s, weight loss behaviors were less extreme. Conclusions: The WM practices of college wrestlers appeared to have improved compared to wrestlers sampled previously. Forty percent of the wrestlers were influenced by the new NCAA rules and curbed their weight loss practices. Education is still needed, as some wrestlers are still engaging in dangerous WM methods.

Promotion of Healthy Weight-control Practices in Young Athletes

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 97 (5) ◽  
pp. 752-753 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Bulimia Nervosa ◽  
Disordered Eating ◽  
Athletic Performance ◽  
Weight Control ◽  
Weight Class ◽  
Weight Control Behaviors ◽  
Unhealthy Weight Control ◽  
Diet Pills ◽  
Unhealthy Weight

Many athletes engage in unhealthy weight-control practices. This new policy statement urges pediatricians to attempt to identify and help these athletes and provides information about how to support sound nutritional behavior. Athletes may engage in unhealthy weight-control practices, particularly in sports in which thinness or "making weight" is judged important to success, such as body building, cheerleading, dancing (especially ballet), distance running, diving, figure skating, gymnastics, horse racing, rowing, swimming, weight-class football, and wrestling.1-3 Some athletes may use extreme weight-loss practices that include overexercising; prolonged fasting; vomiting; using laxatives, diuretics, diet pills, other licit or illicit drugs, and/or nicotine; and use of rubber suits, steam baths, and/or saunas. The majority of these disordered eating behaviors do not meet Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed, criteria4 for anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa. In two surveys of 208 female collegiate athletes, 32% and 62% practiced at least one of the following unhealthy weight-control behaviors: self-induced vomiting, binge eating more than twice weekly, and using laxatives, diet pills, and/or diuretics.5,6 Of 713 high school wrestlers in Wisconsin, 257 (36%) demonstrated two or more behaviors related to bulimia nervosa.7 In a survey of 171 collegiate Indiana wrestlers concerning their behaviors in high school, 82% had fasted for more than 24 hours, 16% had used diuretics, and 9.4% had induced vomiting at least once a week.8 Many athletes are secretive about these potentially harmful practices. Disordered eating may have a negative short-term impact on athletic performance. Athletes who lose weight rapidly by dehydration are probably impairing their athletic performance, especially if it involves strength or endurance,9 and these strength deficits may persist even after rehydration.10

scholarly journals “Taking Charge of One’s Life”: A Model for Weight Management Success

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marlene Adams
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Grounded Theory ◽  
Postmenopausal Women ◽  
Weight Management ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Weight Control ◽  
Weight Loss Program ◽  
Taking Charge ◽  
Weight Loss Treatments ◽  
Weight Loss Study

Obesity is a serious, prevalent, and refractory disorder that increases with age particularly in women who enroll in formal weight loss treatments. This study examined the processes used by obese postmenopausal women as they participated in a formal weight loss program. Using grounded theory, interviews were conducted with 14 women engaged in a formal weight loss study examining success with specific, targeted weight loss treatments based on one’s weight control self-efficacy typology. “Taking Charge of One’s Life” emerged as a model for weight management success, comprised of three phases: engaging, internalizing, and keeping one’s commitment. This study supports the unique, complex, and individualized nature of making a decision to lose weight and then maintaining one’s commitment to weight loss.

scholarly journals A Self-Directed Mobile Intervention (WaznApp) to Promote Weight Control Among Employees at a Lebanese University: Protocol for a Feasibility Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Bardus ◽  
Ghassan Hamadeh ◽  
Bouchra Hayek ◽  
Rawan Al Kherfan
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Weight Management ◽  
Weight Control ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Obesity And Overweight ◽  
And Control

BACKGROUND Overweight and obesity have become major health problems globally with more than 1.9 billion overweight adults. In Lebanon, the prevalence of obesity and overweight is 65.4% combined. Risk factors of obesity and overweight are preventable and can be addressed by modifications in the environment and in an individual’s lifestyle. Mobile technologies are increasingly used in behavioral, self-directed weight management interventions, providing users with additional opportunities to attain weight control (weight loss, weight gain prevention, etc). Mobile apps may allow for the delivery of Just-in-Time Adaptive Interventions (JITAIs), which provide support through skill building, emotional support, and instrumental support, following the participants’ progress. A few commercially available apps offer JITAI features, but no studies have tested their efficacy. OBJECTIVE The primary objective of this study is to examine the feasibility of a self-directed weight loss intervention, targeting employees of an academic institution, using a virtual coaching app with JITAI features (Lark) and a self-help calorie-counting app (MyFitnessPal). The secondary objective is to estimate the effects of the intervention on main study outcomes. METHODS This study is a single-center, parallel, randomized controlled trial with 2 study arms (intervention and control). Participants will be randomly allocated in equal proportions to the intervention (Lark) and control groups (MyFitnessPal). To be eligible for this study, participants must be employed full- or part-time at the university or its medical center, able to read English, have a smartphone, and be interested in controlling their weight. Recruitment strategies entail email invitations, printed posters, and social media postings. We will assess quantitative rates of recruitment, adherence, and retention, self-reported app quality using the user version of the Mobile App Rating Scale. We will also assess changes in weight-related outcomes (absolute weight and waist circumference), behavioral outcomes (physical activity and diet), and cognitive factors (motivation to participate in the trial and to manage weight). RESULTS WaznApp was funded in June 2017, and recruitment started in March 2018. CONCLUSIONS This study will provide information as to whether the selected mobile apps offer a feasible solution for promoting weight management in an academic workplace. The results will inform a larger trial whose results might be replicated in similar workplaces in Lebanon and the Middle East and North Africa region, and will be used as a benchmark for further investigations in other settings and similar target groups. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03321331; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03321331 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6ys9NOLo5) REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER RR1-10.2196/9793

Bulimic Behaviors Among Interscholastic Wrestlers: A Statewide Survey

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1993 ◽  
Vol 91 (4) ◽  
pp. 826-831 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert A. Oppligen ◽  
Gregory L. Landry ◽  
Sharon W. Foster ◽  
Ann C. Lambrecht
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Bulimia Nervosa ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Fluid Restriction ◽  
Nutritional Knowledge ◽  
Nutritional Information ◽  
The Past ◽  
Bulimic Behaviors

Wrestlers are known for their extreme weight-cutting practices including fasting, food and fluid restriction, and dehydration. Using a stratified statewide survey, this investigation elucidated weight loss practices, nutritional knowledge, and bulimic behaviors among 713 high school wrestlers in Wisconsin. Results showed that 1.7% of the wrestlers answered questions consistent with all five criteria for bulimia nervosa, a rate higher than expected for adolescent males. An additional 43% exhibited weight-cutting practices similar to those of the wrestlers who met all bulimia nervosa criteria. The average wrestler lost 3.2 kg to compete, cycled 1.8 kg weekly, and fasted 20 hours prior to weigh-in. More extreme behaviors occurred among the 45% who met two or more bulimia nervosa criteria on their questionnaire; 19% frequently fasted, 25% restricted fluids, 34% used rubber suits, and 8% vomited. These results are comparable with data published over the past 20 years. Efforts to curtail these behaviors through regulations restricting weight loss coupled with sound nutritional information are warranted. Physicians and health professionals should be alert to potential eating disorders within this population.

Weight Management and Weight Loss Strategies of Professional Jockeys

2002 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan M. Moore ◽  
Anna F. Timperio ◽  
David A. Crawford ◽  
Cate M. Burns ◽  
David Cameron-Smith
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Weight Management ◽  
Weight Control ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Management Plan ◽  
Rapid Weight Loss ◽  
Additional Weight ◽  
The Impact

Jockeys are required to maintain very low body weight and precise weight control during competition. This study examined the weight loss and weight management strategies of professional horseracing jockeys in the state of Victoria, Australia. An anonymous, self-completed questionnaire was administered (55% response rate, n=116). Almost half (43%) reported that maintaining riding weight was difficult or very difficult, with 75% routinely skipping meals. In preparation for racing, 60% reported that they typically required additional weight loss, with 81% restricting food intake in the 24 hours prior to racing. Additionally, sauna-induced sweating (29%) and diuretics (22%) were frequently employed to further aid in weight loss prior to racing. These rapid weight loss methods did not differ between the 51% of jockeys who followed a weight management plan compared to those who did not. The impact of these extreme weight loss practices on riding performance and health remains unknown.

Weight management goals and use of exercise for weight control among U.S. high school students, 1991–2001

2005 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 320-326 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Lowry ◽  
Deborah A. Galuska ◽  
Janet E. Fulton ◽  
Charlene R. Burgeson ◽  
Laura Kann
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
High School Students ◽  
Weight Management ◽  
Weight Control ◽  
School Students

scholarly journals The Interplay of Support, Comparison, and Surveillance in Social Media Weight Management Interventions: A Qualitative Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leanne Chang ◽  
Kaushik Chattopadhyay ◽  
Jialin Li ◽  
Miao Xu ◽  
Li Li
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Social Comparison ◽  
Weight Management ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Weight Control ◽  
Doctor Patient Communication ◽  
Management Interventions ◽  
Overweight Or Obesity

BACKGROUND There has been a significant increase in trend in using social media as a platform to deliver weight management interventions. This illustrates a need to develop a holistic understanding of doctor-patient communication and peer-to-peer communication in social media interventions and their influences on weight management of people with overweight or obesity. Studies like this will highlight how social media can be more effectively integrated into weight management programs to enhance individuals’ short-term and long-term weight management behaviors. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine patients’ experiences with doctor-patient communication and peer interactions in a social media-based (WeChat) weight management program, and describe the interplay of three social influence factors—social support, social comparison, and surveillance—in their weight control practices. The program, designed and implemented by the research team located in a tertiary referral hospital in a southeastern province in China, included both diet and physical activity components that targeted people with overweight or obesity. METHODS We conducted in-depth interviews with 32 program participants of different ages (M = 35.6, SD = 7.7), gender (18 females), duration of program membership (M = 1.4 years), and weight loss outcomes (54% weight loss to 9% weight gain). All interview data were audio-recorded, transcribed, and translated using the translation-back-translation technique. Nvivo software was used to facilitate the coding process. RESULTS Results of a thematic analysis indicated the distinct functions of professionally led support and peer support. Professional support was presented in the form of knowledge infusion, efficacy enhancement, and provision of timely feedback. Peer support fostered empathy and sense of belonging and had a mutually reinforcing relationship with peer comparison and peer-based surveillance. Peer comparison enhanced motivation and positive competition. However, it also reinforced negative group norms and resulted in downturns in reference standards and collective inactivity. Social media surveillance prompted participants’ reactions to the gaze from medical professionals and peers that could be encouraging or inhibiting. Surveillance enhanced vigilance with weight control norms. However, its influence weakened when participants chose to fake weight data and turn off notifications. Findings from this study illustrated the interrelated and fluctuant influences of support, comparison, and surveillance. CONCLUSIONS The interactive traits of social media eased the practices of social support and social comparison and created new forms of surveillance. This study contributed to an in-depth understanding of social media influences on individuals’ weight control behaviors. Practical implications of the study concerned improved strategies for maintaining the positive dynamics of social media interactions and preventing negative resistance to surveillance technology. CLINICALTRIAL Clinical Trial ChiCTR1900025861.

High School Coaches’ Perceptions of and Actual Knowledge about Issues Related to Nutrition and Weight Control

2005 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-85
Author(s):  
V.G. Overdorf ◽  
K.S. Silgailis
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Weight Control ◽  
Female Athletes ◽  
High Protein Diet ◽  
Actual Measurement ◽  
Actual Knowledge ◽  
High School Coaches ◽  
Simple Carbohydrates

Psychologists’ narrations have identified how difficult it is to treat individuals with eating disorders. Moreover, the further the illness has progressed, the greater is the resistance to treatment. Therefore, prevention is critical in reducing the prevalence of these disorders among female athletes. The individuals having the most contact with athletes, and thus constituting the first line of defense against this problem, are coaches. Yet, information about nutrition and proper weight control and how these topics should be properly communicated to athletes is frequently not part of a coach’s training, and consequently may not be part of a coach’s knowledge base. This study was designed to evaluate the perceived versus actual knowledge about nutrition and weight control held by high school coaches of girls’ teams (̲n = 42). Two questionnaires, designed by the investigators, were administered sequentially. The first requested perceptions on various nutritional and weight control issues. The second was a quiz on actual knowledge of nutrition and weight control. Ninety-one percent of the coaches rated their nutrition knowledge as average or above, while only 40 percent had taken any formal classes in nutrition. On the actual quiz, only 14 percent of the coaches knew what percentage of simple carbohydrates should constitute athletes’ diets, while less than half (40%) were able to identify sources of complex carbohydrates. Eleven percent of the coaches thought athletes should have a high protein diet, while almost all of them (80%) believed that muscle is gained by eating proteins. Furthermore, only eight percent were able to identify sources of low fat protein. In regard to issues of weight control, 40 percent of the coaches thought athletes would improve performance by losing weight, 33 percent had impressed on their team the need to lose several times, and 28 percent had spoken to individual athletes about the need to lose weight several times. The predominant method for monitoring weight loss in athletes was visual inspection (37%) rather than actual measurement. Moreover, 77 percent of the coaches thought weight loss had to exceed 15 percent to reflect an anorectic condition, suggesting a possible need for earlier intervention by coaches. Since 82 percent of the coaches incorrectly thought body image distortions occur equally among male and female adolescents, it seems they are unaware of the greater risk for eating disorders among female athletes. While this study represents a small sampling of coaches, the observed lack of congruence between perceived and actual knowledge regarding nutrition and weight control must be addressed if prevention of eating disorders among athletes is to become a reality.

Evaluation of cancer patients’ perspectives on weight management counseling at a comprehensive cancer center.

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e18041-e18041
Author(s):  
Damien Mikael Hansra ◽  
Cynthia Daniels ◽  
Ricardo H. Alvarez
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Weight Management ◽  
Weight Reduction ◽  
Primary Treatment ◽  
Normal Weight ◽  
Comprehensive Cancer Center ◽  
Cancer Type ◽  
Weight Class ◽  
Educational Approach ◽  
Weight Management Counseling

e18041 Background: Over 2/3 of Americans are Overweight (OW) or obese (OB). Being OW or OB is a risk factor for a variety of cancers & denotes a worse prognosis for some. Evidenced based strategies on management of OW & OB patients (pts) are lacking. Data shows the majority of physicians are OW & OB and confidence in obesity counseling in these individuals is less compared with normal weight (NW) counterparts. Here we report the results of a survey on cancer pt’s opinions weight management counseling. Methods: An HRPP exemption was obtained. Pts asked to complete a 20-question (Q) survey. Clinical info collected: age, race, cancer type, weight class (underweight, NW, OW, OB, unsure but likely overweight). Survey Qs asked about optimal timing, type of weight counseling preferences. Also, Qs regarding importance of their oncologists (ONCO) BMI assessed. Secondary Qs about pt risk factors for obesity, pt willingness, & pt preferred modalities to change dietary & exercise habits also assessed. Statistical analysis: One-way ANOVA used to compare mean responses. P-values reported α = 0.05. Results: 245 cancer pts completed the survey. Demographics: 53% white, 37% black, 8% multiracial, 1% American Indian, 1% Asian. Majority of pts 51-65 years old (55%) and female ( > 75%). 71% (175/245) of pts were OW or OB vs. 29% (70/245) of pts with normal weight. 78% (191/245) of pts had breast cancer vs. 22% (54/245) other cancers. Main results: The best time for an ONCO to address weight reduction with pts is? “Anytime” = 45% (111/245), “First visit” = 27% (65/245), “After primary treatment” = 27% (65/245), “Never” = 1% (2/245) (p < 0.01). The approach pts prefer ONCO use to counsel on weight reduction is? “Educational approach” = 26% (65/245), “Direct approach” = 24% (59/245), “Passive approach” = 8% (20/245), “Passive & educational” = 18% (44/245), “Direct & educational” = 18% (43/245), “Other approaches” = 5% (12/245), “No approach, I don’t want counseling” = 1% (2/245) (p < 0.01). Who would you listen to MOST about weight loss advice? “Normal weight ONCO” = 41% (101/245), “The BMI of my ONCO does not matter” = 53% (131/245), “OB or OW” 5% (13/245) (p < 0.01). Results of secondary Qs included in presentation. Conclusions: Almost all pts would like to discuss weight loss with their oncologist on the first visit or after primary treatment has been completed. Also, most pts would like to receive counseling by their oncologist regardless of their oncologist’s weight. Furthermore, pts seem to prefer education about why weight loss is important be included in their weight loss counseling.

Evaluation of cancer patients’ perspectives on weight management counseling at a comprehensive cancer center.

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (27_suppl) ◽  
pp. 221-221
Author(s):  
Damien Mikael Hansra ◽  
Cynthia Daniels ◽  
Ricardo H. Alvarez
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Weight Management ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Comprehensive Cancer Center ◽  
Cancer Type ◽  
Weight Class ◽  
Exercise Habits ◽  
Induce Weight Loss ◽  
Almost All

221 Background: Being overweight (OW) or obese (OB) is a risk factor for a variety of cancers & denotes a worse prognosis for some. Strategies on management of OW & OB patients (pts) are lacking. Data shows majority of physicians are OW & OB & confidence in OB counseling in these individuals is less compared w/ normal weight (NW) counterparts. Here we report results of a survey on cancer pt’s opinions on weight management. Methods: Pts asked to complete a 20-question (Q) survey. Clinical info collected: age, race, cancer type, weight class (underweight, NW, OW, OB, unsure but likely overweight). Survey Qs ask about optimal timing of weight counseling. Also, Qs regarding importance of their oncologists (ONCO) BMI assessed. Other Qs about pt risk factors for obesity, pt willingness, & pt preferred modalities to change dietary & exercise habits also assessed. Stats: 1-way ANOVA & students' T-test used to compare responses. P-value α = 0.05 used. Results: 245 pts completed the survey. Main Qs: Best time for ONCO to address weight with pts is? “Anytime” 45% (111/245), “First visit” 27% (65/245), “After main treatment” 27% (65/245), “Never” 1% (2/245) p < 0.01. Who would you listen to MOST about weight loss advice? “NW ONCO” 41% (101/245), “BMI of my ONCO does not matter” 53% (131/245), “OB or OW” 5% (13/245) p < 0.01. Pts tend to; "eat less healthy when stressed": true 77% (189/245) vs false 23% (56/245) p < 0.01; "eat less healthy when sad or depressed": true 72% (176/245) vs false 28% (69/245) p < 0.01; "exercise less since cancer diagnosis" true 61% (150/245) vs false 39% (95/245) p < 0.01. Pts are willing to change "dietary habits to induce weight loss": yes 94% (231/245) vs no 6% (14/245) p < 0.01; "exercise habits to induce weight loss": yes 96% (234/245) vs no 4% (11/245) p < 0.01. Results of clinical, demographics, other Qs included in presentation. Conclusions: Almost all pts would like to discuss weight loss on the first visit or after main treatment completed. Almost all pts are willing to change dietary & exercise habits. Also, most pts would like to receive counseling by their ONCO regardless of their ONCO’s weight. Furthermore, early interventions into pt's psychological health & exercise habits may benefit pts in weight management.

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