Sumo wrestling, Japan's national sport, is a martial art steeped in tradition and demanding physical prowess. {Link: Wikipedia notes https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sumo} that the sport has a history spanning many centuries and includes many ritual elements from Shinto. The rigorous training and unique lifestyle, including a specialized diet, lead to the massive physique characteristic of sumo wrestlers. However, this demanding existence often comes at a cost to their longevity. The average life expectancy of a sumo fighter is estimated to be between 60 and 65 years, which is significantly lower than the general Japanese male population, whose life expectancy is around 84 years.
The Sumo Lifestyle and its Health Impacts
Becoming a professional sumo wrestler involves adhering to a strict regimen, often starting at a young age. Wrestlers live in communal training stables, called heya, where every aspect of their daily lives is dictated by tradition and strict rules set by the Japan Sumo Association. Junior wrestlers typically perform chores and endure long training sessions on an empty stomach before consuming their first large meal of the day. This cycle of intense training followed by huge meals and often naps is designed to help them gain and maintain their massive body weight, which can reach over 600 pounds for some individuals.
Dietary Habits: Fueling the Rikishi
The cornerstone of a sumo wrestler's diet is chanko nabe, a high-calorie, protein-rich stew. This stew is prepared in large quantities, often by the junior members of the stable, and is consumed in immense portions, often alongside copious amounts of rice, noodles, and beer. While the ingredients in chanko nabe are generally considered healthy and nutritious, consisting of meat, fish, tofu, vegetables, and other ingredients, the sheer quantity consumed, sometimes exceeding 10,000 calories per day, is a primary factor in their weight gain.
Training Regimen and Physical Strain
Sumo training involves intense physical activity, including:
- Shiko Stances: Deep squats and leg raises performed hundreds of times.
- Butsuke-geiko: Sparring sessions where wrestlers repeatedly push opponents across the ring.
- Strength and Speed Drills: Training designed to develop explosive power.
This strenuous training, while building incredible strength and flexibility, also places enormous stress on the body, particularly the joints and cardiovascular system.
Health Risks Associated with the Sumo Lifestyle
The lifestyle required to achieve and maintain the physique of a sumo wrestler leads to several health problems that can significantly shorten their lives. Many wrestlers develop serious conditions during or after their careers.
Cardiovascular and Metabolic Issues
The immense body mass, coupled with a high-calorie diet and sometimes excessive alcohol intake, contributes to a high risk of cardiovascular disease. {Link: Dr. Mirkin notes https://drmirkin.com/histories-and-mysteries/akebono-taro-500-pound-sumo-wrestler-dead-from-heart-failure.html} that hypertension, coronary artery disease, and obesity-related cardiovascular issues are frequently identified in post-career health assessments. Type 2 diabetes is also prevalent among sumo wrestlers, and many are prone to heart attacks. These risks are exacerbated by the accumulation of body fat, especially visceral fat surrounding the organs.
Musculoskeletal Problems
The constant stress on joints from carrying excessive weight, combined with the impact of falls and collisions during matches, leads to a high prevalence of injuries, particularly to the knees, ankles, and lower back. Studies have shown that degenerative changes like joint space narrowing and osteophyte formation can be observed even in high-school level sumo wrestlers. Arthritis is a common ailment that can develop due to the continuous strain on the joints.
Other Health Concerns
- Sleep Apnea: The excess weight can cause breathing difficulties during sleep.
- Liver Problems: Excessive alcohol intake, common in sumo culture, can lead to liver issues.
- Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE): Repeated head trauma sustained during matches may contribute to long-term cognitive issues in some wrestlers.
Comparing Sumo Wrestler Lifespan to Other Populations
The following table illustrates the significant difference in life expectancy between sumo wrestlers and other populations.
| Population | Average Life Expectancy | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese Males (General) | ~84 years | Average life expectancy for the male population in Japan. |
| Sumo Wrestlers | 60-65 years | Estimated range, often cited as 10-20 years shorter than the average Japanese male. |
| NFL Linemen (North America) | ~74 years | Slightly lower than the general male population in North America, facing different sport-related risks. |
| NBA Players (North America) | ~81.3 years | Higher than the average American male, possibly due to factors like wealth and education, despite the sport's demands. |
| Athletes (General) | Often longer | Elite athletes often show superior longevity compared to the general population, though specific sports vary greatly. |
Life After Retirement
After retiring from sumo, many wrestlers attempt to lose the significant weight they gained during their careers. This can involve switching from the high-calorie chanko nabe and beer diet to a more traditional Japanese diet of fish, rice, and vegetables, often shedding hundreds of pounds. However, the damage inflicted upon the heart, cardiovascular system, liver, and musculoskeletal system during their active years may already be irreversible, contributing to their reduced life expectancy even after slimming down. Maintaining a healthy weight after retirement can be challenging due to ingrained habits and a distended stomach.
Conclusion
The life expectancy of a sumo fighter, while a subject of ongoing study, is notably lower than that of the general population in Japan. The unique demands of the sumo lifestyle, including the extreme weight gain, high-calorie diet, and intense physical strain, contribute to a higher incidence of serious health issues like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and joint problems. While efforts to improve wrestler health, such as less strict weight gain standards and discussions around BMI limits, are being considered, the inherent nature of the sport poses significant challenges to ensuring the long-term well-being of these dedicated athletes.
Modern Perspectives and Potential Improvements
In recent years, there has been increasing discussion within the sumo world regarding the health of its participants. Some suggest incorporating more scientific approaches to training and nutrition, including:
- Comprehensive Health Assessments: Regular screenings to detect and manage potential issues early.
- Specialized Nutritionists: Tailoring diets to meet the unique needs of wrestlers while promoting overall health.
- Preventative Healthcare Measures: Implementing strategies like physiotherapy and education on risk factors.
- Research into Training Methods: Comparing different training approaches to identify those that minimize injury risk without compromising performance.
These measures, while potentially conflicting with some traditional aspects of sumo, could play a vital role in improving the long-term health outcomes and potentially extending the life expectancy of future sumo wrestlers.
