Combat sports take on dangerous weight cuts

The Nederlandse Vechtsportautoriteit (VA, the Dutch Combat Sports Authority) wants to reduce unhealthy weight-loss methods in combat sports. In order to compete in their preferred weight class, some athletes use extreme methods to lose a lot of weight in a short period of time. In other countries this has already led to fatalities. The combat sports sector wants to prevent that from happening in the Netherlands.

In order to compete in a low weight class, and therefore face a relatively light opponent, many combat sports athletes want to be as light as possible on the day of the weigh-in. Losing weight temporarily for this purpose is known as ‘weight cutting’. It is not unusual for a fighter to lose more than 10% of their body weight within a week. After the weigh-in, which often takes place a day and a half before the bout, they eat and drink a great deal in order to return to their ‘normal’ weight.

‘Losing weight can be done in a healthy way,’ says Bas Pijnenburg, international ringside physician and board member of the VA. ‘Set realistic goals, take your time and make healthy choices. Unfortunately, many athletes try to lose weight in too short a period. For example by dehydrating their bodies. Or they use even more extreme methods. Medical knowledge is often lacking. It can lead to serious damage to health. People even die from it. We want to prevent that in the Netherlands.’ Other weight-class sports, such as judo and rowing, have already taken measures.

The Vechtsportautoriteit wants to help athletes and their coaches make healthy choices, based on sound knowledge. That is why an animated film has been made that encourages athletes and coaches to start a conversation about making weight in a healthy way. An information page has also been added to the VA website. Informative leaflets will be distributed at combat sports events over the coming months.

Around bouts, the VA is conducting trials (on a voluntary basis) with hydration tests that give athletes insight into their condition. The VA is in consultation with international organisations that also want to address this issue. Some promotions have introduced mandatory hydration measurements around bouts. The VA will start a discussion within the Dutch combat sports sector on whether this is desirable and feasible.

CLICK HERE FOR THE INFORMATION PAGE ON MAKING WEIGHT HEALTHILY