Page 166 - Safe Wrestling

Martin Šporin and Dorjana Zerbo Šporin

Conclusions
This review highlights that, despite increasing concern regarding low en-
ergy availability (LEA) and relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S), the
current literature concerning young wrestlers and combat-sport athletes
remains predominantly focused on rapid weight loss (RWL). Direct inves-
tigations specifically addressing LEA and RED-S in young wrestlers are
still limited. Rapid weight-loss practices are highly prevalent in this pop-
ulation, are often initiated at an early age, and are frequently performed
without professional supervision. Such methods, including dehydration,
caloric restriction, and excessive exercise, may negatively affect growth,
maturation, performance, and overall health.
Although combat sports may provide important physical, psycho-
logical, and developmental benefits, the weight-management practices
commonly associated with these disciplines may also pose substantial
health risks. Low energy availability appears capable of counteracting
some of these benefits and may contribute to impaired bone health and
broader physiological dysfunction. The competitive season represents a
particularly critical period during which athletes may be at increased risk
of LEA, hormonal disturbances, reductions in fat-free mass, and declines
in performance.
Given these findings, there is a clear need to prioritise safe and gradual
approaches to body-mass management in adolescent wrestlers and oth-
er young combat-sport athletes. Preventive strategies should include reg-
ular monitoring, early identification of athletes at risk, and avoidance of
extreme weight-cutting practices. Education of athletes, parents, coach-
es, healthcare providers, and sporting organisations is essential to pro-
mote awareness and healthier behaviours. A multidisciplinary approach,
including nutritional guidance, medical supervision, and psychological
support, appears warranted in order to reduce risks and support both
athlete health and long-term development.
Overall, future research should place greater emphasis on low ener-
gy availability and relative energy deficiency in young combat-sport ath-
letes in order to better inform evidence-based prevention, monitoring,
and management strategies.

References
Angelidi, A. M., Stefanakis, K., Chou, S. H., Valenzuela-Vallejo, L., Dipla,
K., Boutari, C., Ntoskas, K., Tokmakidis, P., Kokkinos, A., Goulis, D. G.,
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