Effects of gradual weight loss on strength levels and body composition in wrestlers athletes.

BACKGROUND: Few investigations have evaluated isokinetic torque after a period of weight loss in wrestlers. Thus, the current study sought to investigate the effects of gradual weight loss in the precompetitive period on isokinetic peak torque in the upper and lower limbs and body composition in wrestling athletes. METHODS: Eight elite athletes participated in the study (mean age 20.8±3.1 years). The athletes visited the laboratory on 2 occasions: during the period of weight maintenance (baseline) and during weight loss, in the precompetitive period (post). The variables analyzed were body composition through air displacement plethysmography (BOD POD) and peak torque (PT) of knee flexion and extension movements, and internal and external shoulder rotation in concentric action, at speeds of 60°/s and 180°/s, determined using an isokinetic dynamometer (Biodex Medical Systems; Shirley, NY, USA). RESULTS: A significant decrease was observed in body composition values, except lean mass. No significant differences were observed in the PT of the movements analyzed: Shoulder internal rotation (60°/s P=0.825; 180°/s P=0.245) and external rotation (60°/s P=0.149; 180°/s P=0.163) and knee extension (60°/s P=0.086; 180°/s P=0.630) and flexion (60°/s P=0.310; 180°/s P=0.239). CONCLUSIONS: Gradual weight loss did not affect the production of torque in the wrestlers before a competition. In addition, gradual weight loss contributed to a reduction in body fat, associated with an increase in percentage lean body mass.

Obesity and Overweight Among Brazilian Early Adolescents: Variability Across Region, Socioeconomic Status, and Gender.

INTRODUCTION: As with most emerging nations, Brazil lacks up-to-date data on the prevalence of obesity and overweight among its children. Of particular concern is the lack of data on children in early adolescence, considered by many to be the crucial stage for weight-related healthcare. OBJECTIVE: To assess regional, socioeconomic, and gender differences in the prevalence of obesity and overweight among Brazilian early adolescents. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a racially diverse sample of students aged 10-13 years, from schools in three geographic regions (north, northeast, south) (N = 1,738). Data on gender, age, race, socioeconomic status (SES), weight, and height were obtained. Weight class was calculated from age- and gender-adjusted body mass index, based on children's weight and height. Bivariate and multivariable analyses, with post hoc tests, were conducted to estimate differences between groups and were corrected for multiple comparisons. Procedures were approved by institutional review boards at study sites. RESULTS: Analyses revealed a higher prevalence of obesity and/or overweight among: (1) children of higher SES; (2) children in southern Brazil; (3) males; and (4) Black females. CONCLUSION: The most salient predictor of weight risk among Brazilian early adolescents is higher SES. This finding is consistent with previous findings of an inverse social gradient, in weight risk, among emerging-nation population groups.