Rapid weight loss in judo: Impacts on anxiety, mood, and cognitive performance

Abstract

This longitudinal study investigated the psychological and cognitive effects of rapid weight loss (RWL, ≤ 5% body mass) in 30 male competitive judo athletes from India, comparing RWL (N=15) and Control (N=15) groups across Baseline, Post-RWL, and Recovery phases. The RWL group exhibited significant increases in state anxiety, depressive symptoms, anger, fatigue, and cognitive impairments in attention and inhibitory control post-RWL, while the Control group showed no changes. All effects were transient, with the RWL group recovering to baseline levels within one-week post-competition. Higher RWL frequency correlated with reduced anger and fatigue, suggesting adaptation. These findings highlight the need for safer weight management strategies and psychological monitoring to support judo athletes’ mental health and performance.