Weight Regain, but not Weight Loss, Is Related to Competitive Success in Real-Life Mixed Martial Arts Competition

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victor Silveira Coswig ◽  
Bianca Miarka ◽  
Daniel Alvarez Pires ◽  
Levy Mendes da Silva ◽  
Charles Bartel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Martial Arts ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
Weight Regain ◽  
Mixed Martial Arts ◽  
Relative Time ◽  
Time Motion

We aimed to describe the nutritional and behavioral strategies for rapid weight loss (RWL), investigate the effects of RWL and weight regain in winners and losers, and verify mood state and technical–tactical/time–motion parameters in mixed martial arts. The sample consisted of mixed martial arts athletes after a single real match and was separated into two groups: winners (n = 8; age: 25.4 ± 6.1 years, height: 173.9 ± 0.2 cm, habitual body mass: 89.9 ± 17.3 kg) and losers (n = 7; age: 24.4 ± 6.8 years, height: 178.4 ± 0.9 cm, habitual body mass: 90.8 ± 19.5 kg). Both groups exhibited RWL and weight regain, verified their macronutrient intake, underwent weight and height assessments, and completed two questionnaires (Profile of Mood States and RWL) at (a) 24 hr before weigh-in, (b) weigh-in, (c) postbout, and (d) during a validated time–motion and technical–tactical analysis during the bout. Variance analysis, repeated measures, and a logistic regression analysis were used. The main results showed significant differences between the time points in terms of total caloric intake as well as carbohydrate, protein, and lipid ingestion. Statistical differences in combat analysis were observed between the winners and losers in terms of high-intensity relative time (58 [10–98] s and 32 [1–60] s, respectively), lower limb sequences (3.5 [1.0–7.5] sequences and 1.0 [0.0–1.0] sequences, respectively), and ground and pound actions (2.5 [0.0–4.5] actions and 0.0 [0.0–0.5] actions, respectively), and logistic regression confirmed the importance of high-intensity relative time and lower limb sequences on mixed martial arts performance. RWL and weight regain strategies were related to technical–tactical and time–motion patterns as well as match outcomes. Weight management should be carefully supervised by specialized professionals to reduce health risks and raise competitive performance.

Rapid Weight Gain Following Weight Cutting in Male and Female Professional Mixed Martial Artists

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Kadhiresan R. Murugappan ◽  
Ariel Mueller ◽  
Daniel P. Walsh ◽  
Shahzad Shaefi ◽  
Akiva Leibowitz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Martial Arts ◽  
Female Athletes ◽  
Rapid Weight Loss ◽  
Mixed Martial Arts ◽  
Rapid Weight Gain ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Small Series

Rapid weight loss or “weight cutting” is a common but potentially harmful practice used in mixed martial arts competition. Following the official weigh-in, competitors refeed and rehydrate themselves in a process known as rapid weight gain (RWG) to realize a potential competitive advantage. While data from surveys and small series have indicated the majority of mixed martial arts athletes engage in rapid weight loss, there is a lack of officially collected data from sanctioning organizations describing its prevalence. The present investigation represents a summary of the data collected between December 2015 and January 2018 by the California State Athletic Commission. In total, 512 professional mixed martial artists (455 males and 57 females) were included. Of these, 503 (98%) athletes gained body mass between weigh-in and their bouts. Total RWG between weigh-in and competition was 5.5 ± 2.5 kg, corresponding to an 8.1% ± 3.6% body mass increase. Total RWG was 5.6 ± 2.5 kg (8.1% ± 3.6%) for males and 4.5 ± 2.3 kg (8.0% ± 3.8%) for females. More than one quarter of men and one third of women gained >10% body mass between weigh-in and competition. Athletes from leading international promotions gained more absolute, but not relative, body mass than those from regional promotions. Our findings indicate RWG is nearly ubiquitous in professional , with a similar prevalence in male and female athletes. Trends based on promotion suggest a larger magnitude of RWG in presumably more experienced and/or successful mixed martial artists from leading international promotions.

scholarly journals Prevalence, Magnitude and Methods of Rapid Weight Loss Reported by Male Mixed Martial Arts Athletes in Ireland

Sports ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (9) ◽  
pp. 206 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Connor ◽  
Brendan Egan
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Martial Arts ◽  
Average Weight ◽  
Rapid Weight Loss ◽  
Mass Reduction ◽  
Mixed Martial Arts ◽  
Weight Category ◽  
Water Loading ◽  
Body Mass Reduction

Rapid weight loss (RWL) is frequently practiced in weight category sports, including Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). The aim of the present study was to describe self-reported methods of RWL in a sample of competitive MMA athletes comprising of both amateur and professional fighters. The previously-validated Rapid Weight Loss Questionnaire, with the addition of questions on water loading and hot salt baths, was completed anonymously online by athletes (n = 30; all male, n = 15/15 professional/amateur) from MMA clubs around Dublin, Ireland. All but one (97%) of the athletes surveyed lost weight in order to compete, with the average weight loss being 7.9% ± 3.1% of habitual body mass. The RWL score (mean ± SD) for this sample was 37.9 ± 9.6, and a tendency for higher [6.0 (95%CI; −1.1, 13.1) (p = 0.093; d = 0.64)] RWL scores for professional (40.8 ± 8.9) compared to amateur (34.8 ± 9.6) athletes was observed. Frequencies of “always” or “sometimes” were reported as 90% for water loading, 76% for hot salt baths and 55% for 24 h of fasting. Fellow fighters (41%) and coaches/mentors (38%) were “very influential” on RWL practices of these athletes, with doctors (67%), dietitians (41%), and physical trainers (37%) said to be “not influential”. RWL is highly prevalent in MMA across both amateur and professional athletes, and RWL scores are higher than other combat sports. Water loading and hot salt baths are amongst the most commonly used methods of RWL despite little research on these methods for body mass reduction or effects on performance in weight category sports.

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

2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 122-129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph John Matthews ◽  
Ceri Nicholas
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Martial Arts ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Hydration Status ◽  
Rapid Weight Loss ◽  
Mixed Martial Arts ◽  
Rapid Weight Gain ◽  
Repeated Measures Design

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-1 and 471 ± 124 g・day-1, respectively. At the official weigh-in 57% of athletes were dehydrated (1033 ± 19 mOsmol・kg-1) and the remaining 43% were severely dehydrated (1267 ± 47 mOsmol・kg-1). 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.

Rapid Weight Loss Elicits Harmful Biochemical and Hormonal Responses in Mixed Martial Arts Athletes

2015 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 480-486 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victor Silveira Coswig ◽  
David Hideyoshi Fukuda ◽  
Fabrício Boscolo Del Vecchio
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Martial Arts ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Rapid Weight Loss ◽  
Mixed Martial Arts ◽  
Training Experience ◽  
Hormonal Responses ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Post Hoc

The purpose of this study was to compare biochemical and hormonal responses between mixed martial arts (MMA) competitors with minimal prefight weight loss and those undergoing rapid weight loss (RWL). Blood samples were taken from 17 MMA athletes (Mean± SD; age: 27.4 ±5.3yr; body mass: 76.2 ± 12.4kg; height: 1.71 ± 0.05m and training experience: 39.4 ± 25 months) before and after each match, according to the official events rules. The no rapid weight loss (NWL, n = 12) group weighed in on the day of the event (~30 min prior fight) and athletes declared not having used RWL strategies, while the RWL group (n = 5) weighed in 24 hr before the event and the athletes claimed to have lost 7.4 ± 1.1kg, approximately 10% of their body mass in the week preceding the event. Results showed significant (p < .05) increases following fights, regardless of group, in lactate, glucose, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatinine, and cortisol for all athletes. With regard to group differences, NWL had significantly (p < .05) greater creatinine levels (Mean± SD; pre to post) (NWL= 101.6 ± 15–142.3 ± 22.9μmol/L and RWL= 68.9 ± 10.6–79.5 ± 15.9μmol/L), while RWL had higher LDH (median [interquartile range]; pre to post) (NWL= 211.5[183–236] to 231[203–258]U/L and RWL= 390[370.5–443.5] to 488[463.5–540.5]U/L) and AST (NWL= 30[22–37] to 32[22–41]U/L and 39[32.5–76.5] to 72[38.5–112.5] U/L) values (NWL versus RWL, p < .05). Post hoc analysis showed that AST significantly increased in only the RWL group, while creatinine increased in only the NWL group. The practice of rapid weight loss showed a negative impact on energy availability and increased both muscle damage markers and catabolic expression in MMA fighters.

scholarly journals Weight Loss Strategies in Combat Sports and Concerning Habits in Mixed Martial Arts

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 933-939 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oliver R. Barley ◽  
Dale W. Chapman ◽  
Chris R. Abbiss
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Martial Arts ◽  
Fluid Loss ◽  
Fluid Restriction ◽  
Weight Class ◽  
Combat Sports ◽  
Mixed Martial Arts ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Weight Loss Strategies

Context: Combat sports are typically divided into weight classes, and body-mass manipulation to reach a weight class is commonplace. Previous research suggests that weight loss practices in mixed martial arts (MMA) may be more extreme than in other combat sports. Purpose: To investigate the magnitude of weight loss and the prevalence of weight loss strategies in different combat sports. Methods: Competitors (N = 637) from Brazilian jiu-jitsu, boxing, judo, MMA, Muay Thai/kickboxing, taekwondo, and wrestling completed an online questionnaire seeking information regarding their weight loss practices. Results: Body-mass manipulation was commonly undertaken by all combat-sport athletes, with a particularly high incidence of gradual dieting, increased exercise, and fluid restriction. Skipping meals was higher in taekwondo and wrestling (84%) compared with the other combat sports (∼58%), whereas training in heated rooms and forced oral fluid loss (spitting) was higher in wrestling (83% and 47%, respectively) compared with other combat sports (∼45% and ∼19%, respectively). MMA athletes reported the highest usage of sauna (76%) and water loading (67%) while also reporting the second-highest use of training in rubber/plastic suits (63%). Conclusions: Body-mass manipulation was present in all combat sports, with the prevalence and magnitude of acute weight loss greater in MMA. The incidence of and practices reported will help support staff be fully aware of the variety of methods these athletes and coaches may use to achieve weight loss. Additionally, the results could aid regulatory bodies in the further development of policies on weight cutting.

Abstract MP003: Development and Validation of a Prediction Model of Weight Loss Maintenance or Regain at 4 Years in the Look AHEAD Trial

Circulation ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 135 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Samantha E Berger ◽  
Gordon S Huggins ◽  
Jeanne M McCaffery ◽  
Alice H Lichtenstein
Keyword(s):  
Machine Learning ◽  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Prediction Model ◽  
Weight Regain ◽  
Initial Weight ◽  
Initial Weight Loss ◽  
Look Ahead

Introduction: The development of type 2 diabetes is strongly associated with excess weight gain and can often be partially ameliorated or reversed by weight loss. While many lifestyle interventions have resulted in successful weight loss, strategies to maintain the weight loss have been considerably less successful. Prior studies have identified multiple predictors of weight regain, but none have synthesized them into one analytic stream. Methods: We developed a prediction model of 4-year weight regain after a one-year lifestyle-induced weight loss intervention followed by a 3 year maintenance intervention in 1791 overweight or obese adults with type 2 diabetes from the Action for Health in Diabetes (Look AHEAD) trial who lost ≥3% of initial weight by the end of year 1. Weight regain was defined as regaining <50% of the weight lost during the intervention by year 4. Using machine learning we integrated factors from several domains, including demographics, psychosocial metrics, health status and behaviors (e.g. physical activity, self-monitoring, medication use and intervention adherence). We used classification trees and stochastic gradient boosting with 10-fold cross validation to develop and internally validate the prediction model. Results: At the end of four years, 928 individuals maintained ≥50% of their initial weight lost (maintainers), whereas 863 did not met that criterion (regainers). We identified an interaction between age and several variables in the model, as well as percent initial weight loss. Several factors were significant predictors of weight regain based on variable importance plots, regardless of age or initial weight loss, such as insurance status, physical function score, baseline BMI, meal replacement use and minutes of exercise recorded during year 1. We also identified several factors that were significant predictors depending on age group (45-55y/ 56-65y/66-76y) and initial weight loss (lost 3-9% vs. ≥10% of initial weight). When the variables identified from machine learning were added to a logistic regression model stratified by age and initial weight loss groups, the models showed good prediction (3-9% initial weight loss, ages 45-55y (n=293): ROC AUC=0.78; ≥10% initial weight loss, ages 45-55y (n=242): ROC AUC=0.78; (3-9% initial weight loss, ages 56-65y (n=484): ROC AUC=0.70; ≥10% initial weight loss, ages 56-65y (n=455): ROC AUC = 0.74; 3-9% initial weight loss, ages 66-76y (n=150): ROC AUC=0.84; ≥10% initial weight loss, ages 66-76y (n=167): ROC AUC=0.86). Conclusion: The combination of machine learning methodology and logistic regression generates a prediction model that can consider numerous factors simultaneously, can be used to predict weight regain in other populations and can assist in the development of better strategies to prevent post-loss regain.

Weight loss behaviors in Brazilian mixed martial arts athletes

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 117-122 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rubens B. Santos-Junior ◽  
Alan C. Utter ◽  
Steven R. McAnulty ◽  
Bernardo Rafael Bittencourt Bernardi ◽  
Cosme F. Buzzachera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Martial Arts ◽  
Mixed Martial Arts

Comparisons of Time-motion Analysis of Mixed Martial Arts Rounds by Weight Divisions

2015 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 1189-1201 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bianca Miarka ◽  
Victor Silveira Coswig ◽  
Fabrício B.D. Vecchio ◽  
Ciro José Brito ◽  
John Amtmann
Keyword(s):  
Motion Analysis ◽  
Martial Arts ◽  
Mixed Martial Arts ◽  
Time Motion

A Review of Time-Motion Analysis and Combat Development in Mixed Martial Arts Matches at Regional Level Tournaments

2011 ◽  
Vol 112 (2) ◽  
pp. 639-648 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabrício Boscolo del Vecchio ◽  
Sérgio Masashi Hirata ◽  
Emerson Franchini
Keyword(s):  
Motion Analysis ◽  
Martial Arts ◽  
Regional Level ◽  
Mixed Martial Arts ◽  
Time Motion

scholarly journals Combat Sport Nutrition: A Pragmatic Case Study in an Elite Mixed Martial Arts Athlete

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Matthews
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass ◽  
Martial Arts ◽  
Traditional Approach ◽  
Sports Nutrition ◽  
Energy Restriction ◽  
Sport Nutrition ◽  
Rapid Weight Loss ◽  
Mixed Martial Arts ◽  
Weight Category

Introduction: Mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes typically undergo energy restriction and severe dehydration to compete in a specific weight category: a process known as making weight. This can pose a health risk to athletes and has led to fatalities. Some risks can be mitigated with structured sports nutrition. Methods: This case study provides an overview of a 10-week sports nutrition intervention devised to support an elite male MMA athlete for a world lightweight title bout. Results: Over a 9-week period, body mass was reduced from 81.6 kg (baseline) to 75.4 kg (1-week pre-competition): total loss 6.2 kg (8.2%) equivalent to 0.68 kg.wk-1. In the final 5 days, body mass was reduced by a further 5.2 kg (7.4%), before regaining 5.8 kg (8.3%) and entering competition at 76 kg. There was no incidence of injury or illness throughout the training camp and the athlete reported positive feedback regarding health, wellbeing, and physical performance. Conclusions: The intervention demonstrates a pragmatic approach to making weight by allowing moderate rapid weight loss (RWL) and rapid weight gain under controlled conditions. In the absence of rule changes to prevent RWL, coaches and athletes can utilise sports nutrition strategies to minimise the risks associated with a traditional approach to making weight.

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