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.

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.

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.

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.

The effect of water loading for acute weight loss following fluid restriction on sleep quality and quantity in combat sports athletes

2019 ◽  
Vol 64 ◽  
pp. S99-S100
Author(s):  
I.C. Dunican ◽  
P. Eastwood ◽  
K. Murray ◽  
J.A. Caldwell ◽  
R. Reale
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Fluid Restriction ◽  
Combat Sports ◽  
Water Loading ◽  
Effect Of Water

scholarly journals Head Trauma Exposure in Mixed Martial Arts Varies According to Sex and Weight Class

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 280-285 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruno Follmer ◽  
Rodolfo Andre Dellagrana ◽  
E. Paul Zehr
Keyword(s):  
Head Trauma ◽  
Martial Arts ◽  
Injury Risk ◽  
Trauma Exposure ◽  
Weight Class ◽  
Mixed Martial Arts ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Weight Category ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Level 3

Background: Brain injury arising from head trauma is a major concern in mixed martial arts (MMA) because knockout (KO) and technical knockout (TKO) are frequent fight outcomes. Previous studies have shown a high incidence of matches ending due to strikes to the head but did not consider weight categories and female fights. This study aimed at analyzing match stoppages in MMA and the exposure to head trauma distinguished by sex and weight categories. Hypothesis: The heavier the weight class, the greater the risk and incidence of head trauma will be, regardless of sex. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Methods: Publicly available data of 167 MMA events from 1903 fights between 2014 and 2017 were assessed, comprising 8 male and 2 female weight categories. Results: The combined KO/TKO rates per 100 athlete-exposures in the middleweight (19.53), light heavyweight (20.8), and heavyweight (26.09) divisions were greater than previously reported for MMA. While stoppage via KO/TKO occurred in 7.9% of combats in the female strawweight division, it occurred in 52.1% of the male heavyweight fights. The male middleweight ( P = 0.001), light heavyweight ( P < 0.001), and heavyweight divisions ( P < 0.001) had an increased risk of KO/TKO due to strikes to the head by 80%, 100%, and 206%, respectively. The risk in the flyweight division decreased 62% ( P = 0.001). All categories were compared with the lightweight division. The female bantamweight category presented a 221% increased risk in matches ending due to KO/TKO compared with the strawweight division ( P = 0.012). Punches to the head were the major technique used to end a combat via KO/TKO, regardless of sex and weight class. Conclusion: Head injury risk and incidence varies considerably according to sex and weight category in MMA. Clinical Relevance: The analysis of head trauma exposure in MMA athletes should be distinguished according to sex and weight category.

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
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