Forms and symptoms of rapid weight loss in BJJ practitioners with and without nutritional counselling|Formas y síntomas de pérdida rápida de peso en practicantes de BJJ con y sin asesoramiento nutricional

Introduction: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is a grappling-based combat sport where athletes are classified by age, rank, gender, and weight. Rapid weight loss (RWL) practices are commonly adopted by BJJ and other combat sport athletes to meet weight category requirements, often using various strategies with or without nutritional guidance. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence, types, and effects of RWL practices among BJJ competitors, specifically comparing methods and symptom profiles between athletes with and without nutritionist support. Methodology: In this observational study, 234 BJJ athletes (121 with nutritionist support and 113 without) completed the Rapid Weight Loss Questionnaire (RWLQ) via Google Forms. Data were collected during national competitions held in Brazil, Ireland, and Italy across 2022 and 2023. Athletes reported on their weight loss history, frequency of RWL, specific methods used, and experienced symptoms. Statistical analyses, including Mann-Whitney U, Chi-square, and Shapiro-Wilk tests, were conducted, with significance set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: indicated that athletes with nutritionist support practiced RWL more frequently and achieved greater weight loss (mean 7.6 kg over 3 instances) than those without support, primarily using gradual dieting (56.2% vs. 31.9%). This group also reported higher rates of fatigue (78.5% vs. 67.3%) and headache (52.1% vs. 34.5%). Conclusions: BJJ athletes with nutritional guidance not only engaged in more frequent and substantial RWL but also experienced increased RWL-related symptoms, suggesting a potential trade-off between supervised weight management and symptom burden.