Weight cycling in combat sports: revisiting 25 years of scientific evidence

Abstract

Background As combat sports are classified by body mass, many athletes engage in rapid weight loss (RWL) prior to competition so they can gain an advantage over lighter opponents. Following the weigh-in, athletes engage in rapid weight gain (RWG), whereby some athletes have been able to compete up to three weight categories greater than the official division weighed in at. Results Although the impact of weight cycling on performance remains equivocal, robust scientific evidence indicates serious acute and chronic negative consequences on physiological and health-related parameters. Still, weight cycling remains highly prevalent in combat sports, and interventions to limit or stop this cultural norm are recommended. Conclusions Weigh-ins for combat sports should be transitioned to take place closer to the start of competition. This reduced time and access to engage in RWG will cut down, if not completely prevent, weight cycling. These rule changes that aim to benefit athlete’s health and promote fairness must be made at the international level, which will promote them at those levels below, as well, given qualification protocols.

Rapid Weight Loss Practices in Grapplers Competing in Combat Sports

“…In one small sample of judo athletes, the magnitude of RWL was lower than in this study, while the methods they used were predominantly gradual dieting and increasing exercise ( Gann et al, 2015 ; Kons et al, 2020 ). A recent publication from Lakicevic et al (2021a) discussed this issue in detail. Second, a statistically significant difference is that male athletes more often trained in heated rooms compared to female athletes (67.1 vs. 41%, p = 0.01).…”

Differential Risks of the Duration and Degree of Weight Control on Bone Health and Menstruation in Female Athletes

“…In addition, fluid restriction, one of the principal methods of RWL, increases the risk of heatstroke, especially in adolescents ( 44 ). Taken together, as we recently reported ( 27 ), and RWL is not recommended for female athletes and a strategy for weight control that considers the menstrual cycle, and the resulting effects of water fluctuation is required. To date, little data are available on the effect RWL has on menstruation, and further research is required to elucidate this relationship.…”

“…To date, little data are available on the effect RWL has on menstruation, and further research is required to elucidate this relationship. Athletes who take part in weight-categorized sports and engage in weight control practices are most influenced by their coaches, with few to no athletes seeking advice from staff with professional expertise (e.g., dietitians or doctors) ( 27 ). The normal development of reproductive functions around puberty, particularly for females, has a significant impact on their future life ( 45 ); thus, a collaboration with qualified staff is required.…”

“…To maximize weight loss in the final days leading up to the weigh-in and concurrent competitive events, rapid weight loss (RWL), a weight-manipulation strategy based on drastic food and fluid restriction accompanied by excessive exercise, is frequently utilized by combat sports. Despite a large body of evidence denoting serious acute and chronic health hazards associated with such an approach ( 23 , 24 ), RWL remains highly prevalent in combat sports, and some athletes repeat RWL up to 10 times per year ( 25 – 27 ). The weight loss range varies; most combat sports athletes lose 2–5% of their body weight in about a week with RWL, while weight loss of 10% or more is not uncommon ( 26 – 29 ).…”

Disturbing Weight Cutting Behaviors in Young Combat Sports Athletes: A Cause for Concern

“…In the absence of evidenced based education programs or professional intervention, it is evident that RWL practices are routinely passed from coach to athlete, and from athlete to athlete, with such practices centered on tradition rather than well-informed evidenced based methods ( 6 ). It is of particular concern that individuals with poor nutrition and medical understanding are advising athletes to partake in RWL ( 25 ), even when it is recognized these practices can result in acute and chronic complications ranging from mild, transient health disturbances to substantial performance decrements and even death.…”