We evaluated the effects of a 7-day rapid
weight loss (RWL) intervention on body composition and biomarkers of creatine
metabolism in eight elite judokas during a pre-competition period. RWL induced a
significant drop in weight (81.7±10.7 kg at baseline
vs.
76.8 ± 10.3 kg at follow-up;
p
<.001), fat mass (12.6±5.6 kg
vs.
9.2±4.0 kg;
p
=.003) and
fat-free mass (69.1±7.3 kg
vs.
67.6±7.7 kg; p=.05), accompanied by an increase in serum creatinine levels at
follow-up (104.0±10.5 µmol/L
vs.
114.9±10.2 µmol/L; p=.009). An acute restriction of food and fluid intake
appears to negatively affect fat-free mass and indices of kidney function in
judokas.