Acute-Weight-Loss Strategies for Combat Sports and Applications to Olympic Success

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 142-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reid Reale ◽  
Gary Slater ◽  
Louise M. Burke
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Decision Tree ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Body Fat ◽  
Previous Literature ◽  
Combat Sports ◽  
Weight Category ◽  
Performance Effects ◽  
Theoretical Advantage ◽  
Practical Recommendations

It is common for athletes in weight-category sports to try to gain a theoretical advantage by competing in weight divisions that are lower than their day-to-day body mass (BM). Weight loss is achieved not only through chronic strategies (body-fat losses) but also through acute manipulations before weigh-in (“making weight”). Both have performance implications. This review focuses on Olympic combat sports, noting that the varied nature of regulations surrounding the weigh-in procedures, weight requirements, and recovery opportunities in these sports provide opportunity for a wider discussion of factors that can be applied to other weight-category sports. The authors summarize previous literature that has examined the performance effects of weightmaking practices before investigating the physiological nature of these BM losses. Practical recommendations in the form of a decision tree are provided to guide the achievement of acute BM loss while minimizing performance decrements.

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 Practices of Weight Regulation Among Elite Athletes in Combat Sports: A Matter of Mental Advantage?

2013 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 99-108 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefan Pettersson ◽  
Marianne Pipping Ekström ◽  
Christina M. Berg
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Rapid Weight Loss ◽  
Weight Regulation ◽  
Combat Sports ◽  
Combat Sport ◽  
Weight Category ◽  
National Team ◽  
Common Notion ◽  
Age Range

Context The combination of extensive weight loss and inadequate nutritional strategies used to lose weight rapidly for competition in weight-category sports may negatively affect athletic performance and health. Objective To explore the reasoning of elite combat-sport athletes about rapid weight loss and regaining of weight before competitions. Design Qualitative study. Setting With grounded theory as a theoretical framework, we employed a cross-examinational approach including interviews, observations, and Internet sources. Sports observations were obtained at competitions and statements by combat-sport athletes were collected on the Internet. Patients or Other Participants Participants in the interviews were 14 Swedish national team athletes (9 men, 5 women; age range, 18 to 36 years) in 3 Olympic combat sports (wrestling, judo, and taekwondo). Data Collection and Analysis Semistructured interviews with 14 athletes from the Swedish national teams in wrestling, judo, and taekwondo were conducted at a location of each participant's choice. The field observations were conducted at European competitions in these 3 sports. In addition, interviews and statements made by athletes in combat sports were collected on the Internet. Results Positive aspects of weight regulation other than gaining physical advantage emerged from the data during the analysis: sport identity, mental diversion, and mental advantage. Together and individually, these categories point toward the positive aspects of weight regulation experienced by the athletes. Practicing weight regulation mediates a self-image of being “a real athlete.” Weight regulation is also considered mentally important as a part of the precompetition preparation, serving as a coping strategy by creating a feeling of increased focus and commitment. Moreover, a mental advantage relative to one's opponents can be gained through the practice of weight regulation. Conclusions Weight regulation has mentally important functions extending beyond the common notion that combat-sport athletes reduce their weight merely to gain a physical edge over their opponents.

Fitness and Fatness: Body Mass Index versus Percent Body Fat

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 131-137
Author(s):  
Jennifer Bunn ◽  
Danielle Eustace ◽  
Taylor Miskech ◽  
John Manor ◽  
Michael Jiroutek
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Body Fat ◽  
The United States ◽  
Normal Weight ◽  
Cardiovascular Fitness ◽  
Percent Body Fat ◽  
Tissue Mass ◽  
Weight Category ◽  
Health And Nutrition

ABSTRACT Background: Body mass index (BMI) is frequently used to evaluate risk of disease, but can be misleading because it does not account for different types of tissue mass (e.g., bone, muscle, fat). The purpose of this study was to classify adults in the United States according to cardiovascular fitness (CVF), BMI, and body fat using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data. Methods: The three most current NHANES datasets (6,648 records) were included. Counts, means, and 95% confidence intervals (CI) determined the distribution of CVF across percent of body fat and BMI categories. Results: According to BMI, approximately 42.3% of participants were classified as either underweight or normal weight, and 24.9% were classified as obese. According to percent of body fat, 13.5% of subjects were classified as lean, while 68.4% of subjects were in the high percent body fat group. In regard to BMI, 9.9% and 6.7% of the overweight and obese populations, respectively, were classified in the highest third of CVF. According to adiposity, 6.6% and 21.0% of the moderate and high percent body fat population fell into the same category, respectively. Conclusion: Two-thirds of the population ranked below the 35th percentile for body fat (high percent body fat), with more of these individuals in the low CVF category than any other. The largest categorization for BMI was the normal-weight category. This supports that BMI may be misleading, and that utilizing percent body fat and CVF may provide a better indication of health.

scholarly journals Combined effects of resistance training and carbohydrate-restrictive or conventional diets on weight loss, blood variables and endothelium function

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 543-554 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Mello MEIRELLES ◽  
Paulo Sergio Chagas GOMES
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Resistance Training ◽  
Total Cholesterol ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Body Fat ◽  
Brachial Artery ◽  
Fat Body ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Fat Free Mass ◽  
Blood Variables

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare the effects of either a carbohydrate-restrictive diets or a conventional hypoenergetic diet combined with resistance training. Methods: Twenty-one overweight and obese adults participated in an eight-week program consisting of progressive resistance training combined with carbohydrate-restrictive diets (initially set at <30 g carbohydrate; n=12) or conventional hypoenergetic diet (30% energetic restriction; carbohydrate/protein/lipid: 51/18/31% of total energy consumption; n=9). It was hypothesized that the carbohydrate-restrictive diets would induce greater weight loss but that both diets would elicit similar effects on selected health markers. Body mass, and body composition, blood variables and flow-mediated brachial artery dilation (flow-mediated brachial artery dilation; by ultrasound) were used to assess changes due to the interventions. Results: Significant within-group reductions in body mass (-5.4±3.5%; p=0.001 versus -3.7±3.0%; p=0.015) and body fat (body fat; -10.2±7.0%; p=0.005 versus -9.6±8.8%; p=0.017) were identified for carbohydrate-restrictive diets and conventional hypoenergetic diet, respectively, but there were no significant differences between groups as the result of the interventions. Fat free mass, blood variables and flow-mediated brachial artery dilation did not significantly change, except for the total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein ratio, which was reduced 10.4±16.9% in carbohydrate-restrictive diets (p=0.037) and 0.5±11.3% in conventional hypoenergetic diet (p=0.398). Conclusion: Carbohydrate-restrictive diets associated with resistance training was as effective as conventional hypoenergetic diet in decreasing body mass and body fat, as well as maintaining fat free mass, blood variables and flow-mediated brachial artery dilation, however it was more effective at lowering the total cholesterol/low density lipoprotein ratio.

scholarly journals The Current State of Weight-Cutting in Combat Sports

Sports ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oliver Barley ◽  
Dale Chapman ◽  
Chris Abbiss
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Research Methods ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Medical Practice ◽  
Total Body Water ◽  
Body Fluid ◽  
Combat Sports ◽  
Current State ◽  
Total Body ◽  
Clear Solution

In combat sports, athletes are divided into categories based on gender and body mass. Athletes attempt to compete against a lighter opponent by losing body mass prior to being weighed (i.e., ‘weight-cutting’). The purpose of this narrative review was to explore the current body of literature on weight-cutting and outline gaps for further research. Methods of weight-loss include energy intake restriction, total body fluid reduction and pseudo extreme/abusive medical practice (e.g., diuretics). The influence of weight-cutting on performance is unclear, with studies suggesting a negative or no effect. However, larger weight-cuts (~5% of body mass in <24 h) do impair repeat-effort performance. It is unclear if the benefit from competing against a smaller opponent outweighs the observed reduction in physical capacity. Many mechanisms have been proposed for the observed reductions in performance, ranging from reduced glycogen availability to increased perceptions of fatigue. Athletes undertaking weight-cutting may be able to utilise strategies around glycogen, total body water and electrolyte replenishment to prepare for competition. Despite substantial discussion on managing weight-cutting in combat sports, no clear solution has been offered. Given the prevalence of weight-cutting, it is important to develop a deeper understanding of such practices so appropriate advice can be given.

scholarly journals Weight loss in combat sports: physiological, psychological and performance effects

2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emerson Franchini ◽  
Ciro José Brito ◽  
Guilherme Giannini Artioli
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Combat Sports ◽  
Performance Effects ◽  
And Performance

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 ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Weight Change ◽  
Rural Setting ◽  
Stable Group ◽  
Weight Category ◽  
Objectively Measured ◽  
Objectively Measured Physical Activity

Abstract Objectives: To investigate the relationship between longitudinal weight-change and objectively-measured physical activity (PA) in a rural African setting in 143 adults (≥30 years), using data from two cross-sectional surveys, separated by approximately ten years. Participants 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 activity energy expenditure (AEE), measured in the 2005-7 health survey, was examined across the weight-change groups. Using the daily AEE data, the proportion of those in the weight-change groups, meeting or not meeting two PA 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. There was an inconsistent and weak association between PA and weight-change in this group.

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 ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Weight Change ◽  
Rural Setting ◽  
Stable Group ◽  
Weight Category ◽  
Objectively Measured ◽  
Objectively Measured Physical Activity

Abstract Objectives: To investigate the relationship between longitudinal weight-change and objectively-measured physical activity (PA) in a rural African setting in 143 adults (≥30 years), using data from two cross-sectional surveys, separated by approximately ten years. Participants 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 activity energy expenditure (AEE), measured in the 2005-7 health survey, was examined across the weight-change groups. Using the daily AEE data, the proportion of those in the weight-change groups, meeting or not meeting two PA 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. There was an inconsistent and weak association between PA and weight-change in this group.

scholarly journals The Duke Employee Weight Loss Program: Report of a Duke Diet and Fitness Center Pilot Study

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 44-50
Author(s):  
Leonor Corsino ◽  
A. Garrett Hazelton ◽  
Howard Eisenson ◽  
Crystal Tyson ◽  
Laura P. Svetkey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Body Fat ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Occupational Safety ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Baseline Weight ◽  
The Impact

Background: Obesity is increasingly prevalent in the industrialized world. Obese workers have two times the number of workers’ compensation claims as those of non-obese workers. Worksite interventions may be especially effective because employees spend a large part of their day in the work environment, and both employee and employer have incentives to improve the employees’ health.Objective: To assess the impact of a 4 week employee intervention in participant’s weight, body fat and blood pressure.Methods: This was a pilot study. We assessed feasibility and impact compared to baseline at 4 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months post-program. The primary outcomes were weight and body mass index. Secondary outcomes included percent body fat and blood pressure. Results: Forty participants consented to be part of the study. Baseline weight was 97.8 kg [SD ± 17.05]. Twelve months post-intervention weight loss averaged 2.7 kg [SD ± 6.35]. One-way repeated measures ANOVA showed a significant effect of participation on weight, body mass index, and percent body fat.Conclusion: Significant improvements in the primary outcomes were observed in participants completing our worksite pilot study, indicating that a worksite weight loss intervention is potentially effective.International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, Vol 4 No 2 (2014) 44– 50

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

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian Cook
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Weight Change ◽  
Rural Setting ◽  
Stable Group ◽  
Weight Category ◽  
Objectively Measured ◽  
Objectively Measured Physical Activity

Abstract Objectives To investigate the relationship between longitudinal weight-change and objectively-measured physical activity (PA) in a rural African setting in 143 adults (≥ 30 years), using data from two cross-sectional surveys, separated by approximately 10 years. Participants 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 activity energy expenditure (AEE), measured in the 2005–2007 health survey, was examined across the weight-change groups. Using the daily AEE data, the proportion of those in the weight-change groups, meeting or not meeting two PA guidelines (150- and 420 min week−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 week−1 guideline. A significantly greater proportion of the weight-stable group (< 25 kg m−2) met the 420 min week−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. There was an inconsistent and weak association between PA and weight-change in this group.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document