scholarly journals The challenge before the fight: a discussion on rapid weight loss in UFC Athletes (El desafío antes de la pelea: una discusión sobre la pérdida de peso rápida en los atletas de UFC)

Retos ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 44 ◽  
pp. 595-604
Author(s):  
Riqueldi Straub Lise ◽  
Mayara Torres Ordonhes ◽  
André Mendes Capraro ◽  
Fernando Renato Cavichiolli

  This study analyzed some cases of rapid weight loss procedures in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and athletes linked to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), currently the largest promoter of the sport. Therefore, printed sources were used, such as specialized magazines or not; documentaries, television programs, interviews, articles on websites; documentary sources, regulations and protocols. It was noted that the rapid weight loss represents overconformity deviances, which are part of a code of conduct valued by athletes, but sometimes become problematic. The cases listed here obtained relative repercussions in the media and resulted in acute damage to the athletes, financial and marketing damage to the event promoter. There was also a certain malpractice among athletes and teams, event organizers, and the North-American Athletic Commissions to try to prevent extreme procedures for rapid weight loss from occurring more often by putting athletes at risk, causing damage to the event itself. Resumen: El presente estudio analizó algunos casos de procedimientos de pérdida de peso rápida en atletas de Artes Marciales Mixtas (MMA) vinculados al Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), actualmente el principal impulsor de este deporte. Por tanto, se utilizaron fuentes impresas, como revistas especializadas o no; documentales, programas de televisión, entrevistas, artículos en sitios web; fuentes documentales, normativas y protocolos. Se observó que la pérdida rápida de peso se configura como una desviación supraconformativa que forma parte de un código de conducta valorado por los deportistas, pero que en ocasiones se vuelve problemático. Los casos aquí enumerados obtuvieron relativa repercusión mediática y resultaron en daños agudos y crónicos a la integridad física de los atletas, pérdidas económicas y de mercado para el promotor de los eventos. Se observó que existía un cierto descuido entre los atletas y equipos, organizadores de eventos y comisiones atléticas norteamericanas para tratar de evitar que los procedimientos extremos para la pérdida rápida de peso ocurran con mayor frecuencia, poniendo en riesgo a los atletas y causando daños al evento en sí.

Author(s):  
Kadhiresan R. Murugappan ◽  
Ariel Mueller ◽  
Daniel P. Walsh ◽  
Shahzad Shaefi ◽  
Akiva Leibowitz ◽  
...  

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.


Sports ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (9) ◽  
pp. 206 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Connor ◽  
Brendan Egan

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.


2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 151-173
Author(s):  
Dian Sukmawati ◽  
Ade Armando

Although the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI) supervised all of the television programs, there are a lot of programs getting a warning because of breaking the rule of P Broadcasting Code of Conduct (P3) and Broadcasting Program Standard (SPS). Focusing on program Pagi-Pagi Pasti Happy, this research investigated the authority of KPI in terms of being a watchdog of television content in Indonesia. This research deployed political economy theory because it has studied not only media analysis in general but also the problems faced by the media industry and who controlled media. To criticize the authority of KPI in maintaining a code of conduct over the broadcasting content, three KPI’s commissioners, two television program representatives, and a media observer were interviewed. Based on interviews, the researcher found that dialogue preferred by KPI in supervising the television content confirmed that the current KPI’s commissioner has compromised with private television stations. KPI is more likely to support the existing television business system nowadays to gain maximum profit for the media investor. The findings suggest that role as KPI’s commissioner has been used to gain more power in the future.


Author(s):  
Joseph John Matthews ◽  
Ceri Nicholas

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.


Author(s):  
Victor Silveira Coswig ◽  
David Hideyoshi Fukuda ◽  
Fabrício Boscolo Del Vecchio

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.


Author(s):  
Sungjun Park ◽  
Michelle Alencar ◽  
John Sassone ◽  
Leilani Madrigal ◽  
Alison Ede

Abstract Background Similar to other combat sports, mixed martial arts (MMA) includes divisional weight classes. The purpose of our research was to further investigate the amount of weight professional MMA fighters lost prior to weighing in for competition, their methods used to cut weight, and their sources of advice on how to cut weight. Methods This survey was administered to 92 male professional MMA athletes. The survey questions included duration of overall weight loss prior to competition, methods of weight-cutting, and their sources of advice regarding weight cutting. Results When comparing the number of methods of weight cutting with the source of advice, those who received their advice from social media used slightly more methods of weight cutting (M = 4.86, SD = 1.27) than those who did not (M = 4.02, SD = 1.55); t(90) = − 2.53, p < .05. MMA athletes that used the help of a registered dietitian nutritionist also reported using the least amount of methods for weight-cutting than any other category (M = 3.84, SD = 1.67). Those that used teammates and did not use a registered dietitian nutritionist used slightly more methods (M = 4.46, SD = 1.41) than those who used a registered dietitian nutritionist. Conclusions The findings of this study report that professional MMA athletes do undergo rapid weight loss through various methods to make weight for competition. This study adds evidence to the literature that most professional MMA athletes undergo RWL for competition without the guidance of a registered dietitian nutritionist. It is unclear what the effect of using a registered dietitian nutritionist may have on an MMA athletes’ ability to reduce weight in a safe and effective manner. Future research should seek to investigate if employing a registered dietitian nutritionist may lead to a higher rate of success for MMA athletes to make weight, and help reduce adverse risks of RWL.


2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 512-517 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mathew Hillier ◽  
Louise Sutton ◽  
Lewis James ◽  
Dara Mojtahedi ◽  
Nicola Keay ◽  
...  

The practice of rapid weight loss (RWL) in mixed martial arts (MMA) is an increasing concern but data remain scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence, magnitude, methods, and influencers of RWL in professional and amateur MMA athletes. MMA athletes (N = 314; 287 men and 27 women) across nine weight categories (strawweight to heavyweight), completed a validated questionnaire adapted for this sport. Sex-specific data were analyzed, and subgroup comparisons were made between athletes competing at professional and amateur levels. Most athletes purposefully reduced body weight for competition (men: 97.2%; women: 100%). The magnitude of RWL in 1 week prior to weigh-in was significantly greater for professional athletes compared with those competing at amateur level (men: 5.9% vs. 4.2%; women: 5.0% vs. 2.1% of body weight; p < .05). In the 24 hr preceding weigh-in, the magnitude of RWL was greater at professional than amateur level in men (3.7% vs. 2.5% of body weight; p < .05). Most athletes “always” or “sometimes” used water loading (72.9%), restricting fluid intake (71.3%), and sweat suits (55.4%) for RWL. Coaches were cited as the primary source of influence on RWL practices (men: 29.3%; women: 48.1%). There is a high reported prevalence of RWL in MMA, at professional and amateur levels. Our findings, constituting the largest inquiry to date, call for urgent action from MMA organizations to safeguard the health and well-being of athletes competing in this sport.


2009 ◽  
Vol 75 (6) ◽  
pp. 470-476 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jitesh A. Patel ◽  
Nilesh A. Patel ◽  
Greta L. Piper ◽  
Deane E. Smith ◽  
Gautum Malhotra ◽  
...  

Obesity and rapid weight loss after bariatric surgery is associated with the development of cholelithiasis and related complications. Several algorithms have been suggested in the management of the asymptomatic gallstones in patients presenting for weight loss surgery (WLS). Charts of patients presenting for laparoscopic Roux-en-Y (LRYGB) were retrospectively reviewed. Concomitant or delayed cholecystectomies were performed for symptomatic disease at the time of or after LRYGB, respectively. A total of 1376 patients underwent LRYGB and 21.0 per cent had a history of a cholecystectomy. An additional 2.7 per cent underwent cholecystectomy. The remaining 1050 “at-risk” patients were followed for a mean of 32.3 months and 4.9 per cent underwent delayed cholecystectomy for symptomatic disease. Of these patients, 88.5 per cent presented within 2 years of LRYGB. No significant morbidities were experienced by the “at-risk” cohort. Currently, there is no consensus in the treatment of asymptomatic cholelithiasis in patients presenting for WLS. A conservative regimen of reserving cholecystectomy for symptomatic disease is safe in patients undergoing LRYGB. Subsequent cholecystectomy was required in 4.9% with the majority of these patients presenting within 2 years of LRYGB. Further investigations in the form of randomized, prospective studies are necessary to clearly define the indications for cholecystectomy at the time of WLS.


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