How dangerous is the harsh weight loss of a fighter?



The world of mixed martial arts (MMA) and boxing is subdivided by weight, and opponents are weighed the day before or on the day of the match to see if they fit the weight of the scheduled match. Since the weight of a fighter in normal times is often heavier than the class in which he is competing, he adjusts by making extreme weight loss so as not to overweight before the game. To the extent

that it is said. Christopher Kirk, a sports and exercise physiology instructor at Sheffield Hallam University, explains how dangerous pre-match weight loss can be.

Mixed martial arts and the danger of extreme weight cutting
https://theconversation.com/mixed-martial-arts-and-the-danger-of-extreme-weight-cutting-162569

In martial arts where the weight is divided into small classes, it is common for martial arts to try to fight in a lower class in order to utilize their physique, reach, and power. Therefore, in normal times, we maintain a weight that is heavier than the limit of the fighting class, and only when weighing, we reduce the weight so that it does not fall into the upper limit of the class. The weight to be lost varies depending on the athlete and the target class, but there are many cases where the weight is reduced by 10 kg or more from the normal time.

Pre-match weight loss includes 'long-term weight loss,' which reduces food intake and increases practice in the weeks prior to the match, extreme dietary cuts and fasts, and dehydration through sauna and heavy-weight training. There are two stages of 'rapid weight loss' to do. With these combinations, you can lose weight to the target weight, and after clearing the weighing, in order to return to weight as much as possible in one day, eat a diet full of carbohydrates that is easy to digest and hydrate a lot to get in shape. ..

In addition to martial arts, weight loss is also done in sports such as horse racing, but in MMA and boxing, weight loss is said to be particularly severe because you lose more weight in a short period of time. Extreme diet and water loss methods have been reported to not only limit brain and nervous system function , but also adversely affect the speed and strength of muscle movement, resulting in health problems in addition to exercise performance. Kirk points out that it can also cause.



In a study that followed professional MMA athletes to investigate the effects of long-term and rapid weight loss, the athletes lost as much as 17 kg in the 8 weeks prior to the match, 7 kg of which was dehydrated 36 hours before weighing. I lost weight. The team reports that this weight loss has reduced the body 's production of health-related testosterone to serious levels, and the amount of cortisol secreted in response to stress has increased sharply. Cortisol rapidly breaks down muscles to produce sugar, which is an energy source, so weight loss will reduce the muscles you have attached.

In addition, the concentrations of urea, creatinine , and sodium in the blood of athletes are extremely high, which suggests that the kidneys are dysfunctional. 'These findings will cause athletes to book hospital beds rather than show a professional fight,' Kirk said.

In fact, in the world of martial arts, many research results have been reported that severe weight loss has an adverse effect on the health of athletes. A 2017 study showed that 43% of athletes were dehydrated before the competition at a MMA event in the United Kingdom, and in 1997 three wrestlers from an American university died from weight loss. did. In response to this situation, martial arts groups have begun to formulate rules regarding weight loss, and measures such as setting an upper limit on the weight that can be lost and limiting the minimum weight have been taken in American university wrestling.

However, still a lot of martial arts players have continued to severe weight loss before the game, in 2015 Mr. Jan Jenbin of MMA players before weighing died of dehydration in addition to has occurred accidents, belonging to the UFC Yulia・Mr. Stoliarenko has been photographed fainting during weighing. In addition, although the causal relationship with repeated severe weight loss is unknown, it is said that retired fighters are prone to obesity, eating disorders, and kidney disorders.



Many athletes and coaches think it's better to lose a lot of weight and lose weight, but in a 2020 study that analyzed professional MMA athletes, the weight lost and the weight recovered after weighing was a match. It turns out that it is not related to the victory or defeat of. Another study showed that athletes who lost a lot of weight were more likely to lose the match than athletes who lost less weight, and athletes who did not have severe energy intake restrictions just before the match were more likely to win. There is also a research result with.

Kirk points out that everyone in the industry needs to take proactive steps to change the practice of harsh weight loss before the game. In May 2021, the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMAAF) established a task force to prevent extreme weight loss and promote safer and more effective weight management practices. 'This widespread cultural change does not have immediate effect, but it will make a difference in the long-term health of all the athletes involved,' Kirk said.



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