Dieting, disordered eating and perfectionism in weight-classified combat sports: a pilot study

Introduction: Weight management through dieting and rapid weight loss (RWL) is central to performance in weight-classified combat sports but may increase the risk of disordered eating (DE). Perfectionism, a common trait among athletes, can have both adaptive and maladaptive effects and contribute to DE. Objective: To examine the relationship between DE, perfectionism, and weight management practices among striking- and grappling-based combat sport athletes. Methodology: Forty-six active athletes from kickboxing (n = 31; 42% female) and Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ; n = 15; 27% female) completed the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) 6.0 and the Sport Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale-2 (Sport-MPS-2). Results: Kickboxers reported competing 4.8 ± 5.5 kg below their noncompetition weight, whereas BJJ athletes competed at nearly the same weight. No group differences in EDE-Q or Sport-MPS-2 scores were observed. On average, the athletes exhibited few symptoms of DE, but 15% scored above the cut-off of 2.3 on the EDE-Q global score. Both adaptive and maladaptive perfectionism were associated with EDE-Q subscales, with adaptive perfectionism also being associated with training experience and competition status. Discussion: These findings suggest that combat sport athletes are influenced by both social and psychological factors in their approach to weight management. The results were consistent with existing research showing mixed effects of perfectionism and the influence of peers and coaches on weight management practices. Conclusions: Despite generally low levels of disordered eating, combat sports athletes frequently engage in dieting and RWL practices, highlighting the need for coach- and athlete-focused education on safer weight management.