OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to qualitatively analyse the eating behaviours and possible eating disorders associated with weight-loss processes in Spanish high-performance women's Olympic wrestling athletes. METHOD: The sample consisted of 22 elite female wrestlers selected by purposive sampling, establishing as inclusion criteria: (i) having been Spanish champion in any age category; (ii) having been part of the Spanish national team participating in at least one international championship; and (iii) suffering or having suffered from an eating disorder. Semi-structured interviews were conducted online, by video call, due to the pandemic, with a duration between 20 and 40 minutes. Statistical analysis was conducted using NVivo10 software. RESULTS: The results showed that wrestlers made dangerous weight losses, using inadequate procedures (i.e. cessation of intake in previous days). Within this theme, the following categories were highlighted: a) Lack of adequate information, related to the health risks involved in weight loss processes, and b) Risky practices, regarding the methods used to perform weight loss processes. CONCLUSIONS: In Olympic Wrestling, many of the sportswomen have to drop down to lower categories in order to obtain a certain advantage over their rivals. However, they do not take into account how these practices influence their health by using inadequate procedures. These rapid and significant weight losses produce negative effects, especially in the female population, generating, among other pathologies, an incidence of eating disorders. The information obtained coincides with some existing aspects in the literature that have addressed this issue and provides some elements of interest for reflection on possible solutions to prevent this poor relationship of nutrition in the new generations and the treatment of existing eating disorders.
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