An ethnographic approach to disordered eating and body image in judoka

Eccles, J. C., Winter, S., & Wadey, R. (2026). An ethnographic approach to disordered eating and body image in judoka. Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health, 1–15.

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to explore and understand, through an ethnographic approach, the cutting weight culture and relationship with disordered eating behaviours and body image perceptions of elite judoka. Observations and fieldwork (189 hours) were undertaken within a full-time judo facility, where elite athletes were enrolled on a centralised training programme. Senior judoka (M Age = 24, SD = 7 years old) trained up to three times daily, five days per week, with sessions including judo technical and tactical, strength and conditioning and sparring. Following the first author immersing herself within the environment, insights informed five story completion focus groups (3 male and 2 female groups), followed by 15 semi-structured interviews (9 males and 6 females). All data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Three themes were constructed: 1) Embedded in the Sporting Culture, 2) Navigating the Mental Battle and 3) The Judoka Body Experiences. Findings highlighted varying and extreme cutting weight and disordered eating behaviours embedded within the culture. Judoka experienced negative psychological symptoms because of these practices, with changes to their bodies causing body image concerns. Complex relationships between the weight cutting culture, disordered eating and body image were clearly present within the elite judo environment, with athletes experiencing many resultant negative effects. Those working within judo should consider the long-term psychological impacts from engaging in extreme cutting weight behaviours and the development of informed guidelines and safe practices. Combining several methods provided important insight into athlete experiences and cultural norms, making methodological contributions to this field of research.

KEYWORDS: Ethnography; martial arts;combat sport; weight-categorised sport; weightcutting; judo.

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