Understanding the Sumo Diet and Lifestyle
To achieve the enormous size necessary for their sport, sumo wrestlers, or rikishi, follow a strict and demanding regimen centered around gaining and maintaining weight. A typical day begins with intensive morning training on an empty stomach, designed to slow the metabolism. Following this, they consume their first and largest meal, often consisting of chanko-nabe, a high-calorie stew packed with meat, fish, and vegetables. It is during these large meals that alcohol, particularly beer, is frequently consumed.
The Role of Alcohol in a Rikishi's Diet
For a sumo wrestler, beer serves a specific, if unhealthy, purpose: providing empty calories to aid in weight gain. While chanko-nabe is calorie-dense, adding several pints of beer can significantly increase the total caloric intake for a single meal. Some sources suggest wrestlers may drink as many as six pints with one meal alone. The alcohol content itself, in addition to the calories, has a metabolic effect that can further promote fat storage. This is often followed by a nap, a practice that maximizes the conversion of these calories into body mass rather than energy.
However, the consumption of alcohol is not universal or without regulation. Some sumo stables (heya) have rules prohibiting drinking, especially for younger or lower-ranked wrestlers. There are also documented cases of wrestlers facing repercussions for alcohol-related misconduct.
Alcohol's Impact on Sumo Health
The high consumption of alcohol, combined with the extreme body mass and high-fat diet, takes a severe toll on a wrestler's health. The life expectancy of a sumo wrestler is significantly shorter—often by more than a decade—than that of the average Japanese male.
Common Health Problems Linked to Alcohol and Diet:
- Liver problems: The excessive intake of alcohol directly contributes to liver damage and disease.
- Cardiovascular disease: High body mass and weight place immense strain on the heart, leading to a higher risk of heart attacks.
- Metabolic disorders: Many wrestlers develop type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure due to their diet and lifestyle.
- Joint and bone issues: The sheer weight places constant, heavy stress on their joints, contributing to arthritis and other degenerative conditions.
Life After Sumo: Continuing Challenges
When a sumo wrestler retires, the transition can be extremely challenging, especially regarding their diet and alcohol habits. The long-term practice of force-feeding and heavy drinking can make it incredibly difficult to change these behaviors. Many struggle with sustained weight loss, even though their intense training regimen has ended. Some, like former yokozuna Kisenosato, have been able to successfully shed a significant amount of weight, but many others continue to face the same health issues they had during their career. The story of Terunofuji, who gave up alcohol and adopted a healthier diet to make a historic comeback, illustrates that positive change is possible but often requires extreme willpower.
Comparison of Sumo Wrestler and Average Person Diets
| Feature | Sumo Wrestler Diet | Average Japanese Diet | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Massive weight gain and calorie surplus | Healthy weight maintenance | Sumo diet prioritizes bulk, not balance. |
| Meal Frequency | Two extremely large, high-calorie meals | Three smaller, balanced meals | Skipping breakfast slows metabolism for weight gain. |
| Caloric Intake | Can exceed 10,000 calories daily | Around 2,000-2,500 calories daily | Huge disparity driven by force-feeding. |
| Alcohol Consumption | Often large amounts of beer with meals | Moderate consumption, if any | Beer provides empty calories for bulk. |
| Physical Activity | Intense, long training sessions | Varies widely by individual | Training is designed to encourage fat storage. |
Conclusion: Alcohol's Dual Role in the Sumo World
Ultimately, the question of "do sumo wrestlers drink alcohol?" has a clear answer: yes, many do, and it is an integral part of the bulking process for some. While it provides the empty calories needed to reach and maintain their massive size, it is also a key factor contributing to the severe health risks they face throughout their careers and into retirement. The practice highlights the extreme demands placed upon rikishi to achieve their physical stature, showcasing both the cultural traditions and the significant health sacrifices inherent in the sport. While some are able to overcome these habits, for many, the damage is long-lasting.
For more insight into the lives of sumo wrestlers and the cultural context of the sport, you can visit the Japan Sumo Association's official website.
