Judo is a sport based on weight category divisions. The purpose of the research was to establish the relationship between pre-competition weight loss and competitive preparations, as well as the influence of pre-competition weight loss on the competitive results of judo competitors. Material and methods. The research covered 28 judo competitors (13 juniors and 15 seniors). The research method was the author`s questionnaire, selected tests of motor fitness by Denisiuk, and the Spielberger STAI self-evaluation questionnaire. Results. More than half (53.6%) of competitors in the research group reduced their weight regularly in pre-competition periods. The average reduction was 4.2% among juniors, and 5.4% among seniors. The most commonly applied body weight reduction methods included reducing the amount of food and liquids, increased physical activity, and treatments in the sauna. During the periods of body weight reduction, contestants felt deterioration of mood, decreased strength and endurance, and headaches. Functional trials performed during rapid weight loss pointed to regression of the results connected with the process of weight loss reduction. In the control (non-reducing) group, the differences were not significant. The anxiety level one day before the competition was higher in the reducing group. In the research (reducing) group, 46.7% of the participants fulfilled result assumptions; in the non-reducing group, the proportion was 58.3%. Conclusions. In cases involving judoists, weight reduction in a short period of time has negative effects on their competitive (physical and psychological) preparation. The eventual reduction of body weight should be attempted under the control of professionals (coaches, physicians, physiotherapists).
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