rebound weight Weight gain after weight loss can substantially affect an athlete’s performance and recovery. After weighing in, athletes often need to quickly restore lost carbohydrates, fluids, and electrolytes to be ready for competition. The time available between weighing in and competition varies by sport, ranging from a few hours to more than a day. This also affects their recovery strategy. Carbohydrates are important for energy, especially in high-intensity combat sports. Athletes typically need to consume 5–10 g of carbohydrate per kilogram of body weight per day to replenish glycogen stores while recovering from weight loss. However, consuming too many carbohydrates too quickly can cause stomach upset, which can harm performance.

Times Now Digital spoke to Dr Aparna Govil Bhaskar, Consultant Bariatric and Laparoscopic Surgeon to understand this better.

He explained that rehydration is also important, as losing too much water during weight loss can lead to poor performance or even injury. Athletes should drink adequate amounts of fluids, ideally 125-150% of what they have lost. However, it is important to note that drinking too much can also cause stomach upset which can be detrimental to their performance. The balance of electrolytes is important, especially if dehydration is caused by sweating.

In addition, weight gain can lead to decreased performance, decreased coordination, increased risk of injury, cardiovascular stress, and electrolyte imbalances. It can also affect the psychological health of the athlete.

Preventing weight gain in athletes while maintaining performance is a complex challenge that requires a balanced approach. Here are some strategies that athletes and coaches can consider:

• educational programOne of the most effective strategies is to educate athletes and their support teams about safe and sustainable weight management practices. Instead of rapid weight loss, it is safer and more effective to aim for gradual weight loss, ideally less than 1 kg per week. The focus during weight loss should be on reducing body fat, while maintaining muscle mass and avoiding dehydration. Understanding the risks associated with excessive weight loss and learning healthy approaches can reduce the temptation to engage in dangerous practices.
• Introduction of higher weight classesIf an athlete needs to lose more than 5% of their body weight, they should carefully consider whether such a large reduction is necessary, as it can pose serious risks to both health and performance. Adding more weight classes with shorter intervals can help athletes compete closer to their natural body weight, reducing the need for extreme weight loss. This approach allows athletes to perform at their best without compromising their health.
• reducing the time between weigh-ins and competitionReducing the time between weigh-in and competition can discourage excessive weight loss. However, this strategy must be implemented cautiously, as rapid weight loss followed by inadequate recovery time can impair performance and increase the risk of injury, including brain injuries, during competition.
• Limiting weight measurement efforts: Limiting the number of weigh-in attempts can prevent athletes from making drastic cuts at the last minute. This policy can also make the process more challenging for those who are losing a significant amount of weight, thereby promoting safer practices.
• Hydration Testing: Hydration tests can help ensure that athletes are not severely dehydrated before competition, thereby reducing health risks. However, the accuracy and reliability of these tests are still debated.
• careful policy consideration: Some suggestions, such as banning weight cutting altogether, have been proposed, but may face resistance due to the cultural and psychological aspects of the practice. Many athletes view weight cutting as an integral part of their preparation, giving them a sense of control. In addition, weighing is often a promotional aspect of sports, adding an element of entertainment to events.

Given these complexities, any policy changes need to be evidence-based and involve input from scientists, athletes, coaches, government officials, and event organizers. A well-rounded and carefully considered approach is essential to effectively manage weight loss while minimizing risks to athletes’ health and performance.

After weight loss in combat sports, athletes often gain weight rapidly as their bodies recover from acute dehydration and energy depletion. This return is critical for restoring strength and optimizing performance prior to competition.

The recovery process begins with rehydration, where athletes consume large amounts of fluids and electrolytes to compensate for lost water and minerals. Next, glycogen is replenished as athletes eat carbohydrate-rich foods, which restores muscle glycogen and increases water retention. Increased food intake further replenishes energy reserves, while natural water retention mechanisms help reestablish balance.

However, rapid weight gain can also have some side effects. Athletes may experience gastrointestinal discomfort, decreased performance, decreased coordination, increased risk of injury, cardiovascular stress, and electrolyte imbalances. Additionally, the stress of rapid weight changes can affect psychological health.

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