Weight Management in Combat Sports

Athletes in weight category sports may attempt to reduce their body mass to compete in lower weight divisions.

Combat sports athletes are the only ones who engage in extreme weight cutting.

Chronically, athletes primarily use starvation and dehydration for body fat reduction.

The extreme practice of weight cutting has never led to disastrous results for athletes.

Dietitians and sports science practitioners consider the physiological demands and fueling requirements of the sport when working with weight category sport athletes.

The requirement to make weight at a weigh-in is not a consideration for dietitians and sports science practitioners working with these athletes.

Athletes should be well fueled and adequately hydrated around the clock.

Research supports cutting weight as the optimal way to achieve competitive success.

The majority of wrestlers believe that making weight is not a major activity in their sport.

Cutting weight and competing in lighter weight divisions has been shown to decrease competitive performance.

Long-term weight change involves rapid fluctuations in body fat and body water.

Moderate dehydration (3-6% body mass loss) has no drawbacks.

Education about weight management should aim to set unrealistic expectations for athletes.

Recovery after weigh-in is easier when there is less damage caused via weight cutting.

Athletes derive a sense of 'sport identity' from not cutting weight.

Controlling body water through mild dehydration can have benefits but no drawbacks.