Abstract
[Purpose]The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of weight loss practices on nutritional status, bone health, and injury history among Korean professional jockeys.[Methods]Forty-three male jockeys completed a questionnaire to assess their weight loss practices. Of these, 10 jockeys were selected for in-depth assessment of their nutritional status, bone health, and injury history.[Results]The questionnaires revealed that 81.4% of jockeys lost weight every week mainly by dieting and/or exercising. None of the jockeys consumed enough food during the weight loss period. Two jockeys were diagnosed with osteopenia and one was diagnosed with osteoporosis. Only history of fracture showed a significant correlation with low bone mineral density. All jockeys had more than one injury experience throughout their career. Fracture was the most common type of injury, occurring during practice and/or competition and caused mainly by difficulties in handling the horses.[Conclusion]Professional jockeys in Korea use extreme weight loss methods. Their repeated periods of poor nutritional intake may result in seriously low bone mineral density, which may aggravate injuries sustained during horse races. Implementation of balanced dietary programs and delivery of health education on weight management are urgently required.
Highlights
Horse racing is one of the oldest sports in the world
The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of weight loss practices on nutritional status, bone health, and injury history among Korean professional jockeys who often engage in extreme weight loss
Weight loss practices questionnaire Forty-three professional jockeys responded to the weight loss practices survey
Summary
Horse racing is one of the oldest sports in the world. The speed of the horse is key in competition. To achieve maximal speed in racehorses, the body weight of jockeys must be less than 49 kg in Korea (2016 Guideline for Korean Trainee Jockeys of the Korea Racing Authority (KRA)). Many jockeys endeavor to comply with the strict weight restrictions before each competition by adopting unhealthy weight loss practices that are relatively quick, such as restricting food and fluid consumption, taking laxatives or diuretics, and even vomiting after meals[1,2,3,4,5,6]. Of concern is the issue that racing competitions take place every weekend all year round, except for one month during the off season. Jockeys repeatedly engage in these unhealthy weight loss practices throughout the year
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