DIFFERENCES IN THE BODY COMPOSITION OF SELECTED JUDOKAS BASED ON WEIGHT CATEGORIES

This study explored body composition differences among elite Serbian judokas across three weight categories: lightweight, middleweight, and heavyweight. Thirty-two male judokas from Serbia’s national team participated, with body composition metrics assessed using the Segmental Body Composition Analyzer InBody 720. Parameters measured included lean body mass percentage, skeletal muscle mass percentage, body fat percentage, waist-to-hip ratio, visceral fat area, bone mineral content, lean body mass index, and fat mass index. Heavyweights exhibited significantly lower lean body and skeletal muscle mass percentages than lightweights and middleweights (p < 0.001). Additionally, heavyweights had significantly higher body fat percentage, waist-to-hip ratio, and visceral fat area (p < 0.001). Bone mineral content was significantly higher in heavyweights compared to lightweights and middleweights (p < 0.001) and also differed significantly between lightweights and middleweights (p < 0.01). Lean body and fat mass index were significantly higher in heavyweights than lighter categories (p < 0.001). These findings highlight the importance of tailored training and nutritional strategies to optimize body composition for enhanced performance and health outcomes in judo. Effective weight management, focusing on reducing fat while maintaining muscle mass, is critical, particularly for heavyweight athletes. The study's methodology and representativeness align with international standards, supporting the applicability of findings to broader populations. Future research should include larger, more diverse samples and longitudinal designs to understand body composition dynamics over time and incorporate performance metrics for a holistic view of success factors in judo. Implementing these strategies will enhance athletic performance and promote long-term health and well-being among judokas.