Weight cutting is widespread among adolescent judoka regardless of experience level: the need of weight control and educational programs

Problem statement Weight reduction cycles are used by judo athletes to make a weight category. However, the use of rapid weight loss methods can be harmful, especially during adolescence. Purpose This study aimed to assess and compare weight loss practices and the methods used by novice and experienced adolescent judo athletes Methods One hundred and eight six athletes (age: 13.31 ± 0.6 years) were recruited from an under-15 national competition and completed a validated questionnaire regarding weight loss practices. The athletes were divided into novices (