Why Combat Athletes Lose Weight for Competition
Date
2-18-2025
Faculty Mentor
Majid Koozehchian, Kinesiology; Gina Mabrey, Kinesiology
Files
Submission Type
Conference Proceeding
Location
2:45-2:55 pm | Houston Cole Library, 11th Floor
Description
Please note: no video is available for this presentation.
Rapid weight loss (RWL) is widespread among combat sports athletes seeking a competitive advantage. However, the methods and techniques vary generally and can significantly impact performance and health. The effectiveness and risks of weight loss depend on the methods used, their scientific basis, and athlete supervision.
This study investigates the prevalence, methods, and influencing factors of weight loss strategies in combat sports. It explores how cultural norms, coaching practices, and scientific guidelines influence weight-cutting decisions in different combat sports. It evaluates whether current weight-cutting practices align with evidence-based recommendations for safe weight management. Maintaining a healthy weight loss system is important due to the increased potential health risk the athlete could face if done incorrectly or neglectfully. By reviewing and analyzing weight loss trends across different combat sports and levels of competition, this research highlights where areas of improvement can occur to support the athlete more efficiently.
Most combat athletes undergo weight cuts multiple times yearly, typically losing 3-5% of body weight within 7-14 days before competition. The most frequently used strategies are controlled dieting, increased exercise, training in heated environments, and fluid restriction. However, some athletes turn to extreme methods such as laxatives, diuretics, diet pills, and self-induced vomiting, which pose serious health risks, including dehydration and hormonal imbalances.
Coaches significantly influence athletes’ weight-cutting strategies, but many rely on traditional, non-scientific methods, increasing the risk of unsafe practices. This increases the risk of unhealthy weight loss cuts for athletes since these methods tend not to be based on some form of scientific methods. Athletes should collaborate with sports nutritionists to ensure weight loss methods are both effective and safe. They can guide them on the proper way to lose weight safely and efficiently. With guidance from a health professional, an athlete can achieve successful weight cuts that should lead to less hindrance to their performance and increase their overall health.
While weight cutting is essential in combat sports, rapid weight loss over short periods poses serious health and performance risks. Some athletes follow safe weight management strategies, but others adopt extreme, harmful methods due to pressure or misinformation. A science-based, holistic approach to weight management is essential for optimizing performance while minimizing health risks.
Keywords
student research, kinesiology
Rights
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Disciplines
Kinesiology
Recommended Citation
Walls, Jacob, "Why Combat Athletes Lose Weight for Competition" (2025). JSU Student Symposium 2025. 49.
https://digitalcommons.jsu.edu/ce_jsustudentsymp_2025/49
