Kurt C.Sağiroğlu İ.2024-06-122024-06-1220152247-8051https://doi.org/10.7752/jpes.2015.04114https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14551/16963The aim of the present study was to examine rapid weight loss practice and perceived problems during reduction periods of Turkish young combat athletes. A questionnaire which designed by researcher was used to data collection. One hundred- twelve questionnaires (62 male and 50 female were taken to statistical evaluation from the following sport: judo, karate, muay-tahi, taekwondo and wrestling. National team membership and former membership ratio to the national team were 54.5 % and 27.7 % respectively. The respondents had an average age of 21.54 ± 3.78 years, a mean body weight of 66.38 ± 11.45 kg and a mean height 170.05 ± 8.80 cm. The mean years of the sports experince was 10.42 ± 3.98 years. The mean age of start to use rapid weight loss methods were 15.29 ± 2.56 years. The primary source of information on promoting weight loss were friends (44.6 ), own method (42.90 % ), my coaches (39.30 % ) and a former combat athlete (26.80 %). The most usage methods to rapid weight loss were; more clothes on training (75 %), skipping meal (64.30%), hungry or fasting (63.4%), and saunas (58 % ). The most percieved problems during reduction period were (are); excessive fatigue (70.50 %), decrease of the physical performance (67.90 % ) and nervousness (66.10 %). On the other hand, reported binge eating episodes ratio was 60.71 %. In conclusion, despite all the warnings of the health authorities a large number of combat athletes persisted in constantly undergoing RWL methods. Therefore, International or Turkish sports federations and legislators should consider dissuasive penalties and effective education programs. © JPES.en10.7752/jpes.2015.04114info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccessCombat Sports; Perceived Problems During Reduction Periods; Rapid Weight Loss PracticeArticle1547487512-s2.0-84951771220Q3