Page 165 - Safe Wrestling

Rapid Weight Loss and Low Energy Availability

Low Energy Availability and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport
in Young Wrestlers and Combat-Sport Athletes
Athletes participating in any sport may develop relative energy deficiency
in sport (RED-S); however, the greatest vulnerability appears to occur in
disciplines that emphasise low body mass or a lean physique, particular-
ly weight-class sports such as combat sports (Torstveit et al., 2023). The
competitive season seems to represent a particularly high-risk period for
low energy availability (LEA), which may manifest through hormonal dis-
turbances, impaired performance, and reductions in fat-free mass (Sams
& Geiselman, 2021). Across much of the competitive wrestling season,
decreases in body mass, body fat percentage, and indices of peak force
and power have been reported. In addition, participation in competi-
tive wrestling has been associated with sustained reductions in resting
total testosterone concentrations throughout the season (Ratamess et
al., 2013). These findings highlight the importance of preventing exces-
sive body-mass fluctuations during the competitive season in adolescent
wrestlers, while also emphasising the role of primary care providers in
promoting safer weight-management practices and monitoring both the
physiological and psychological consequences associated with weight-
control behaviours (Schultz et al., 2024).

Addressing Low Energy Availability and Relative Energy Deficiency
in Sport
The minimum recommended body-fat percentage for female high-school
wrestlers may more appropriately fall within the range of 18–20% (Jagim
et al., 2024). Routine monitoring throughout the season, particularly dur-
ing periods of reduced performance, injury, or illness, may help identify
athletes showing early signs of low energy availability before the condi-
tion progresses. Increasing awareness and education among adolescent
athletes, as well as sports and healthcare professionals, is essential for
the prevention, early identification, and effective management of LEA
and RED-S (Gould et al., 2023).
Particular attention should be directed towards young female athletes
during adolescence, as this developmental stage represents a period of
heightened vulnerability to low energy availability and relative energy
deficiency in sport (Torstveit et al., 2023). Enhanced awareness of RED-
S should therefore be promoted through targeted educational initiatives
directed at athletes, coaches, support personnel, and sporting organisa-
tions (Mountjoy et al., 2018).

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