Factors influencing weight loss practices in Italian boxers: A cluster analysis

It is common practice in combat sports that athletes rapidly lose body weight before a match, by applying different practices�some safer and others possibly dangerous. The factors behind
the choice of practices utilised have not been fully studied. This study aimed to investigate the weight
loss strategies used by Italian boxers and to look at the dierence between higher and lower risk
practice adaptors. A modified version of a validated questionnaire has been sent to 164 amateur (88%)
and professional (12%) boxers by email. A heatmap with hierarchical clustering was used to explore
the presence of subgroups. Weight loss strategies were used by 88% of the athletes. Two clusters were
found, defined by the severity of weight loss behaviours. Professional fighters, high-level athletes
and females were more represented in Cluster 2, the one with more severe weight-loss practices.
These athletes were characterised by a higher weight loss magnitude and frequency throughout
the season and reported being more influenced by physicians and nutritionists, compared with the
boxers in Cluster 1. Not all the weight loss practices are used with the same frequency by all boxers.
The level of the athlete and the boxing style have an influence on the weight-cutting practices.,1]"indexI