Losing weight in the run-up to a competition is a common practice in weight-class sports. Some athletes resort to extreme methods to put on weight. Forced weight loss can be very dangerous and lead to serious health complications, up to and including death. While you can also lose weight in a sensible way, if you follow the right guidelines.
Several high-profile cases illustrate the risks of extreme weight loss. In 2013, Brazilian MMA fighter Leandro Souza died trying to put on weight for his fight. Souza collapsed while losing weight and was rushed to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. In 2015, Scottish MMA fighter Jordan Coe died while losing weight for a fight in Thailand. Coe’s death was attributed to severe dehydration and heat stroke caused by excessive weight loss.
In 1997, three American wrestlers died due to extreme weight loss. The deaths of Billy Jack Saylor, Jeff Reese and Joseph LaRosa sparked a national debate in the US about this practice. The NCAA wrestling organization and several national sports commissions then instituted rules to limit the amount of weight wrestlers can lose in a week.
Risks
Losing weight through drastic measures such as fasting and saunas can lead to severe dehydration, electrolyte deficiency and heat exhaustion. Athletes can also suffer from organ failure, seizures and in extreme cases even death. In addition to the immediate risks of weight reduction, this practice can also have long-term health implications. Athletes undergoing extreme weight loss may suffer from chronic dehydration, which can lead to kidney damage and other health problems. They are also at increased risk of developing eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia.
Why then?
Despite the known dangers of an amateur weight cut, many martial artists continue to take unnecessary risks. The pressure to get to a certain weight and gain can be overwhelming. Some athletes feel they have no other choice. There is also an atmosphere in some circles as if an extreme weight cut is just part of it. As if it is a form of professionalism. While it is amateurish to take unnecessary risks, where you also run the risk of losing your top form.
Responsability
Trainers and sports organizations have a responsibility to protect athletes from harm. They should discourage extreme weight loss. They have a great responsibility, especially when it comes to underage athletes.
Customization
Various measures can be taken to limit the risks of weight loss. Competitive athletes would do well to develop safe and healthy weight loss plans together with their trainers and nutritionists. Every athlete needs customization, because every body works differently. Young athletes differ from older athletes, men and women have different needs, skinny athletes respond very differently to certain dietary choices than heavier athletes. Therefore, look for a sensible tailor-made approach.
On this page you will find more information about the risks, but also guidelines for a sensible approach. These have been drawn up in part by the Olympic organizations IOC and NOC*NSF. Read up and start the conversation as an athlete, as a trainer, or as a parent of a young athlete, because everyone has a role in this.
