Losing dramatic amounts of weight prior to an athletic event
has become a common practice in some sports. Unfortunately, “cutting weight” can be a deadly practice.
In sports where an athlete’s weight determines the level of
competition, losing weight in order to compete at a lower weight class has
become a strategic move. The goal
is to lose weight for the weigh-in and then gain the weight back before the
event.
Wrestling, rowing, boxing and mixed martial arts (MMA) are
sports where this dangerous practice has become an acceptable part of
preparation.
Human physiology is based on a delicate balance of fluid and
electrolytes that allow vital organs to function efficiently. Large shifts of fluid and electrolytes
disrupt this balance, resulting in organs shutting down.
Common symptoms include dizziness, weakness, nausea,
confusion and heart palpitations.
Physical signs of rapid pulse, low blood pressure and concentrated urine
are indicative of impending danger.
Dehydration and rehydration over a short period of time
raises the chances of severe brain injury. This is especially dangerous in combat sports like boxing
and MMA where head trauma is common.
A recent MMA weigh-in at the Mohegan Sun Casino emphasizes
the problem. Two athletes arrived
at the weigh-in with clear signs that they had cut weight. The medical staff and Department of
Athletic Regulation, in cooperation with the promoter, took the rare action of
cancelling those bouts. Those
athletes lost an opportunity to earn a significant purse. One athlete landed in a local emergency
room with kidney failure.
"It is imperative that sports which utilize weight
classes also utilize a hydration check at weigh-ins to assure that athletes do
not reach dangerous levels of dehydration in order to make weight,” said Dr.
Douglas Casa, professor of kinesiology at the University of Connecticut and an
expert in the field of hydration in sports. “The recent cancellation of MMA events at the Mohegan Sun
highlight the risks associated with this,” said Casa.
Education of athletes about the dangers of cutting weight
can be lifesaving.
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