Investigation of Weight Loss Methods of Wrestlers Fighting in Different Styles and Categories During the Competition Period

Abstract

This research was conducted in order to determine the preferred weight loss methods of wrestlers in the category of juniors, cadets and espoir who compete in Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling. 215 male wrestlers between the ages of 14 and 17 participated in the study. In order to determine the weight loss methods of wrestlers, the “athlete weight loss methods and effects scale” developed by Yarar et al. (2016) and the personal information form developed by the researchers were used. In the analysis of the data obtained from the wrestlers SPSS package program was used. Independent t test was used from binary comparisons and ANOVA test was used for multiple comparisons. Significance level was accepted as p<0.05. According to the styles variable, it was found that there was a significant difference between free and Greco-Roman wrestlers in the diet sub-dimension of the athlete weight loss and effects scale (p<0.05). According to the category variable, it was determined that there was a significant difference in the diet and ergogenic aids sub-dimensions of the juniors and the espoir (p<0.05). As a result, it is observed in the research findings that wrestlers usually use the diet method as a method of weight loss. It is thought that one of the most appropriate methods to protect the health and athletic performance of athletes is to apply a conscious diet, which will be more advantageous than other methods. In addition, it can be said that wrestlers consciously and healthily apply weight loss methods as they get older.