Page 163 - Safe Wrestling

Rapid Weight Loss and Low Energy Availability

wondo athletes engaged in pre-competition rapid weight loss, with no
significant differences observed between males and females. The most
commonly reported methods included increased training intensity and
reduced food intake, while approximately 70% of athletes practising RWL
did so without professional supervision, achieving reductions of up to
5.5 kg.
Pocecco et al. (2024) emphasised that severe fasting, particularly when
combined with dehydration and strenuous physical activity, may have
detrimental effects on both health and developmental processes. The
adverse consequences of RWL may include dehydration-related kidney
damage and the onset of eating disorders. Perriello et al. (1995) further
warned that excessive weight loss may be particularly harmful in high-
school wrestlers who have not yet completed growth and maturation. Po-
tential health consequences include impaired growth, poorer academic
performance, endocrine disturbances, and damage to vital organs.
In addition, Zorzi and Zandonai (2024), through two judo case reports,
highlighted the complex interaction between competitive pressure, dis-
ordered eating behaviours, and mental health problems in young ath-
letes. Physiological disturbances associated with rapid weight loss have
also been documented. Yanagawa et al. (2010) demonstrated that rapid
weight reduction increases urinary stress markers and is associated with
lower serum adiponectin concentrations, indicating substantial physio-
logical stress.
Reljic et al. (2016) reported that rapid body-mass loss influences ery-
thropoiesis and haemolysis in combat-sport athletes. Shariat et al. (2013)
observed that weight loss may alter white blood cell counts in young
male judokas, suggesting possible effects on immune function and sus-
ceptibility to illness. Similarly, Tsai et al. (2011) reported that the com-
bined effects of prolonged high-intensity training and rapid weight loss
suppressed mucosal immune function. Milovanˇcev et al. (2023) further
described a case involving a 20-year-old wrestler who developed a seri-
ous arrhythmia during a period of rapid weight loss combined with high-
intensity training.

Addressing Unhealthy Weight-Cutting Methods
Several practical approaches have been proposed to reduce the risks as-
sociated with unhealthy weight-cutting practices:

1. Appropriate nutrition provides essential support throughout the
training process and may facilitate gradual and safer body-mass

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