Extreme Rapid Weight Loss and Rapid Weight Gain Observed in UK Mixed Martial Arts Athletes Preparing for Competition

Abstract

There is a lack of research documenting the weight-making practices of mixed-martial-arts (MMA) competitors. The purpose of the investigation was to quantify the magnitude and identify the methods of rapid weight loss (RWL) and rapid weight gain (RWG) in MMA athletes preparing for competition. Seven athletes (mean ± SD, age 24.6 ± 3.5 yrs, body mass 69.9 ± 5.7 kg, competitive experience 3.1 ± 2.2 yrs) participated in a repeated-measures design. Measures of dietary intake, urinary hydration status, and body mass were recorded in the week preceding competition. Body mass decreased significantly (p < .0005) from baseline by 5.6 ± 1.4 kg (8 ± 1.8%). During the RWG period (32 ± 1 hr) body mass increased significantly (p < .001) by 7.4 ± 2.8 kg (11.7 ± 4.7%), exceeding RWL. Mean energy and carbohydrate intake were 3176 ± 482 kcal・day and 471 ± 124 g・day, respectively. At the official weigh-in 57% of athletes were dehydrated (1033 ± 19 mOsmol・kg) and the remaining 43% were severely dehydrated (1267 ± 47 mOsmol・kg). Athletes reported using harmful dehydration-based RWL strategies, including sauna (43%) and training in plastic suits (43%). Results demonstrated RWG greater than RWL, this is a novel finding and may be attributable to the 32 hr duration from weigh-in till competition. The observed magnitude of RWL and strategies used are comparable to those which have previously resulted in fatalities. Rule changes which make RWL impractical should be implemented with immediate effect to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of competitors.

Authors’ Reply to Davis: “It is Time to Ban Rapid Weight Loss from Combat Sports”

“…RWL has been a matter of concern for the medical community for over 40 years and its potential hazards have been recognized by at least three medical associations [3][4][5][6]. The list of potential negative effects associated with RWL is extensive, with some of the most severe and hazardous being: 1) severe dehydration [7][8][9]; 2) hormonal imbalance [10][11][12]; 3) increased muscle damage [12] which, in extreme cases, may lead to rhabdomyolysis and death [6]; 4) increased risk of injury during competition [13]. Therefore, RWL cannot be considered safe.…”

“…In his words, "If 84 % of combat sports athletes are making-weight [8][9][10][11], and given the millions of such athletes in the world and the number of competitions being undertaken, the small number of deaths reported over so many years would appear to suggest that making weight has an inconsequential effect on mortality in combat sports.' [2].…”

“…The literature indeed demonstrates that 5% is an approximation of the average weight loss for many combat athletes, but it is important to note that the range of weight loss is high. Consequently, a substantial proportion of athletes lose amounts of body mass even greater than the same ~15% that led those wrestlers to lose their lives [9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19].…”

“…If we further explore other combat sports, then these number may only rise. In mixed martials arts (MMA), for example, studies indicate that a strikingly high number of athletes undertake large weight reductions (above 10% of body weight) by means of extreme procedures on a regular basis [9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19]. Thus, despite the occurrence of death lying on the unlikelier side of the equation, this does not mean it should be overlooked.…”

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“…One of the important aspects of training in Mixed Martial Arts (hereinafter -MMA), allowing for the shortest possible time to increase the level of athletes' performance, is the use of optimal training schemes, taking into account the individual characteristics of carrying out fights (James et al, 2016;Matthews et al, 2017, Chernozub et al, 2018.…”