The Surprising Fitness of Active Sumo Wrestlers
Contrary to popular assumption, a professional sumo wrestler's life involves an incredibly demanding physical regimen that makes them elite athletes. Their day begins before sunrise with intensive training that can last for several hours on an empty stomach. This training focuses on building explosive power, strength, and flexibility, involving drills like shiko (a powerful leg stomp) and butsukari-geiko (a pushing drill with an opponent).
The most fascinating aspect of their health is how their bodies manage the immense weight. Studies show that while sumo wrestlers have significant subcutaneous fat (the jiggly fat right under the skin), they have surprisingly low levels of visceral fat, the dangerous fat that surrounds internal organs and is a major risk factor for chronic diseases. Scientists believe this is due to their intense, daily exercise, which helps prevent the accumulation of this harmful internal fat. This means that while they carry immense weight, the health markers for active wrestlers can look far better than those of a sedentary person of the same weight.
The Sumo Diet: Chankonabe and Strategic Eating
A cornerstone of the sumo wrestler's lifestyle is their diet, centered around chankonabe, a high-protein stew. Wrestlers typically eat only two massive meals a day, packed with up to 10,000 calories each, after their morning and afternoon training sessions. This strategic overeating, followed by a long nap, encourages the body to store energy as fat and build muscle. The diet itself is surprisingly nutritious, consisting of fresh vegetables, meat, fish, and tofu. The weight gain is amplified by the sheer quantity of food and often large amounts of beer consumed with meals.
The High Toll of a Sumo Career
While active wrestlers show surprising health markers, the long-term reality is much harsher. A sumo wrestler's career is short, and retirement is a difficult transition. The moment the intense training stops, the negative health effects associated with extreme weight and the previous lifestyle rapidly emerge.
- Reduced Life Expectancy: Sumo wrestlers typically have a shorter life expectancy, with some estimates suggesting a reduction of 10–20 years compared to the average Japanese male.
- Cardiovascular Problems: Retired wrestlers often face severe health issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.
- Joint Degeneration: The years of intense impact and carrying immense weight take a toll on their bodies, leading to chronic joint problems and arthritis.
- Injuries: Throughout their career, wrestlers are prone to a high rate of severe injuries, including knee and spinal cord damage, with the strict ranking system often forcing them to compete while injured.
Comparing Active vs. Retired Sumo Health
| Health Metric | Active Sumo Wrestler | Retired Sumo Wrestler |
|---|---|---|
| Visceral Fat | Low due to intense exercise | High, leading to metabolic issues |
| Cardiovascular Health | Surprising good markers; low cholesterol, normal triglycerides | Poor; high risk of heart disease, hypertension |
| Joint Health | Under immense stress; high risk of injury | High prevalence of arthritis and chronic pain |
| Life Expectancy | Reduced compared to average population | Decreased significantly from national average |
| Metabolic Health | Can be healthy during peak career | Prone to type 2 diabetes and other issues |
The Evolving Conversation Around Sumo Health
The conversation around sumo health is evolving, with some commentators and medical professionals pushing for reforms within the traditionally-bound sport. There is a growing recognition that some practices, like the extreme weight gain and training methods, need to be re-evaluated to protect the athletes. While the sport has a rich history, the high rate of injury and reduced life expectancy cannot be ignored.
Conclusion
In short, the question of whether sumos are healthy has a nuanced answer. During their active careers, professional sumo wrestlers defy standard definitions of obesity, using their disciplined training and diet to build muscle and maintain a surprisingly healthy metabolic profile. However, this is a temporary state of peak performance, and the physical demands and weight take a heavy, long-term toll. Upon retirement, many wrestlers face significant health challenges, including diabetes, heart disease, and joint problems, leading to a significantly reduced life expectancy. This illustrates a profound difference between being athletically 'fit' for a purpose and being medically 'healthy' for a lifetime.
