scholarly journals Worth the Weight? Post Weigh-In Rapid Weight Gain is Not Related to Winning or Losing in Professional Mixed Martial Arts

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (5) ◽  
pp. 357-361
Author(s):  
Christopher Kirk ◽  
Carl Langan-Evans ◽  
James P. Morton
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Statistical Difference ◽  
Bayes Factor ◽  
Rapid Weight Loss ◽  
Rapid Weight Gain ◽  
Bayesian Analyses ◽  
Martial Art ◽  
First Time

Body mass (BM) manipulation via rapid weight loss (RWL) and rapid weight gain (RWG) is a common practice among mixed martial art (MMA) athletes to ensure qualification for the division in which the athlete wishes to compete. Professional MMA competitors in California are required to weigh in twice: 24 hr prior to competition and immediately prior to the bout after they have typically engaged in RWG. In analyzing data from five MMA events sanctioned by the Californian State Athletic Commission, the authors used Bayesian analyses to compare bout winners (n = 31) and losers (n = 31) in terms of in-competition BM (in kilograms) and the amount of BM regained between the two weigh-ins (in kilograms). These data do not support the hypothesis that differences in in-competition BM (Bayes factor [BF10] = 0.667, d = 0.23) or the amount of BM regained between the two weigh-ins (BF10 = 0.821, d = 0.23) determine winning or losing. In addition, there was no statistical difference between bouts ending via strikes, submission, or decision for either in-competition BM (BF10 = 0.686, ω2 < 0.01) or the amount of BM regained between the two weigh-ins (BF10 = 0.732, ω2 = 0.054). In conclusion, the authors report for the first time that the magnitude of RWG does not predict winning or losing in a professional cohort of MMA athletes. In addition, they also report that MMA athletes typically compete at a BM that is at least 1–2 divisions higher than the division in which they officially weighed-in. These analyses may provide impetus for governing bodies and coaches to enact changes at both professional and amateur levels to reduce negative health consequences associated with extreme RWL and RWG.

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 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.

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.

Effects of Rapid Weight Loss on Balance and Reaction Time in Elite Judo Athletes

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 1371-1377 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jose Morales ◽  
Carla Ubasart ◽  
Mónica Solana-Tramunt ◽  
Israel Villarrasa-Sapiña ◽  
Luis-Millán González ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Reaction Time ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Rapid Weight Loss ◽  
Balance Performance ◽  
Eyes Closed ◽  
Judo Athletes ◽  
Experimental Group

Balance, reaction time, and strength are key factors affecting judo performance. Although ample research has been done examining potential strength changes caused by weight loss prior to competition, changes in balance and reaction time have been overlooked. Purpose: To examine the effects of rapid and progressive weight loss (RWL and PWL) on balance, reaction time, and strength in a group of elite judo athletes. Methods: A total of 38 female and male judo athletes (age = 20.6 [2.6] y) completed balance, reaction-time, and strength assessments 1 wk prior to an official weigh-in (pretest) and immediately after the weigh-in (posttest). The athletes were divided into 3 groups, 1 control group who maintained regular training and eating habits, 1 experimental group who engaged in PWL (<3% reductions in body mass), and a second experimental group who used RWL techniques (>3% reductions in body mass). Results: The RWL group showed significant decreases (P < .05) in balance performance (ellipse area: 4.83 [0.87] vs 6.31 [1.39] mm2 with eyes closed; mean mediolateral velocity: 2.07 [0.2] vs 2.52 [0.45] mm·s−1 with eyes closed; and mean anteroposterior velocity: 2.25 [0.20] vs 2.51 [0.32] mm·s−1 with eyes open and 2.44 [0.26] vs 3.06 [0.56] mm·s−1 with eyes closed) and reaction time (0.38 [0.04] vs 0.42 [0.06] s) with no changes in strength from pretesting to posttesting. The athletes in the PWL and control groups maintained performance in all variables. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate negative effects on perceptual motor-skill performance in judo athletes engaging in RWL strategies prior to competition.

Lack of Effect of Typical Rapid-Weight-Loss Practices on Balance and Anaerobic Performance in Apprentice Jockeys

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 972-977 ◽  
Author(s):  
SarahJane Cullen ◽  
Eimear Dolan ◽  
Kate O Brien ◽  
Adrian McGoldrick ◽  
Giles Warrington
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Hydration Status ◽  
Anaerobic Performance ◽  
Rapid Weight Loss ◽  
Mean Power ◽  
Subsequent Increase ◽  
Reduced Body ◽  
And Gender ◽  
The Impact

Balance and anaerobic performance are key attributes related to horse-racing performance, but research on the impact of making weight for racing on these parameters remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of rapid weight loss in preparation for racing on balance and anaerobic performance in a group of jockeys.Methods:Twelve apprentice male jockeys and 12 age- and gender-matched controls completed 2 trials separated by 48 h. In both trials, body mass, hydration status, balance, and anaerobic performance were assessed. Between the trials, the jockeys reduced body mass by 4% using weight-loss methods typically adopted in preparation for racing, while controls maintained body mass through typical daily dietary and physical activity habits.Results:Apprentice jockeys decreased mean body mass by 4.2% ± 0.3% (P < .001) with a subsequent increase in dehydration (P < .001). The controls maintained body mass and a euhydrated state. No differences in balance, on the left or right side, or in peak power, mean power, or fatigue index were reported between the trials in either group.Conclusion:Results from this study indicate that a 4% reduction in body mass in 48 h through the typical methods employed for racing, in association with an increase in dehydration, resulted in no impairments in balance or anaerobic performance. Further research is required to evaluate performance in a sport-specific setting and to investigate the specific physiological mechanisms involved.

scholarly journals Weighing the waitlist: Weight changes and access to kidney transplantation among obese candidates

PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (11) ◽  
pp. e0242784
Author(s):  
Elaine Ku ◽  
Adrian M. Whelan ◽  
Charles E. McCulloch ◽  
Brian Lee ◽  
Claus U. Niemann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Kidney Transplantation ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Deceased Donor ◽  
Weight Changes ◽  
Living Donor Transplantation ◽  
Race Ethnicity ◽  
End Stage

High body mass index is a known barrier to access to kidney transplantation in patients with end-stage kidney disease. The extent to which weight and weight changes affect access to transplantation among obese candidates differentially by race/ethnicity has received little attention. We included 10 221 obese patients waitlisted for kidney transplantation prior to end-stage kidney disease onset between 1995–2015. We used multinomial logistic regression models to examine the association between race/ethnicity and annualized change in body mass index (defined as stable [-2 to 2 kg/m2/year], loss [>2 kg/m2/year] or gain [>2 kg/m2/year]). We then used Fine-Gray models to examine the association between weight changes and access to living or deceased donor transplantation by race/ethnicity, accounting for the competing risk of death. Overall, 29% of the cohort lost weight and 7% gained weight; 46% received a transplant. Non-Hispanic blacks had a 24% (95% CI 1.12–1.38) higher odds of weight loss and 22% lower odds of weight gain (95% CI 0.64–0.95) compared with non-Hispanic whites. Hispanics did not differ from whites in their odds of weight loss or weight gain. Overall, weight gain was associated with lower access to transplantation (HR 0.88 [95% CI 0.79–0.99]) compared with maintenance of stable weight, but weight loss was not associated with better access to transplantation (HR 0.96 [95% CI 0.90–1.02]), although this relation differed by baseline body mass index and for recipients of living versus deceased donor organs. For example, weight loss was associated with improved access to living donor transplantation (HR 1.24 [95% CI 1.07–1.44]) in whites but not in blacks or Hispanics. In a cohort of obese patients waitlisted before dialysis, blacks were more likely to lose weight and less likely to gain weight compared with whites. Weight loss was only associated with improved access to living donor transplantation among whites. Further studies are needed to understand the reasons for the observed associations.

scholarly journals Objectively-measured physical activity patterns and longitudinal weight category status in a rural setting

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian Cook
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Energy Expenditure ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Weight Change ◽  
Rural Setting ◽  
Stable Group ◽  
Objectively Measured ◽  
Objectively Measured Physical Activity

Abstract Objectives To investigate the relationship between longitudinal weight-change and objectively-measured physical activity in a rural African setting in 143 adults, using data from two cross-sectional surveys, separated by approximately ten years. Participants who had data for age, sex, body mass and stature measured in two health surveys were categorised into three weight-change groups (Weight-loss: ≥25 kg.m-2→<25 kg.m-2; Weight-gain: <25 kg.m-2→≥25 kg.m-2; Weight-stability: remained <25 kg.m-2 or ≥25 kg.m-2). Daily ambulation and energy expenditure, measured in the 2005-7 health survey, was examined across the weight change groups. Using the daily energy expenditure data, the proportion of those in the weight-change groups, meeting or not meeting two physical activity guidelines (150- and 420 min.wk-1), was examined. Results Weight-change was found in 18.2% of the sample. There was no significant overall body mass change (+1.2 kg, p=0.1616). However, there was significant change in body mass in the weight-gain (+15.2 kg) and weight-loss (-10.8 kg) groups (p≤0.0011). Nearly 90% of those who gained weight met the 150 min.wk-1 guideline. A significantly greater proportion of the weight-stable group (<25 kg.m-2) met the 420 min.wk-1 guideline (p<0.05). Ambulatory level was high irrespective of weight group, although the weight-stable group (<25 kg.m-2) approached 15 000 steps.day-1.

scholarly journals Work stress, weight gain and weight loss: evidence for bidirectional effects of job strain on body mass index in the Whitehall II study

2006 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
pp. 982-987 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Kivimäki ◽  
J Head ◽  
J E Ferrie ◽  
M J Shipley ◽  
E Brunner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Work Stress ◽  
Job Strain ◽  
Bidirectional Effects
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