Advice on Regulating Body Mass in Wrestling from the Most Cited Combat Sport Literature-A Systematic Review

Background: Since studies on the subject of weight reduction in wrestlers vary in opinions regarding health, performance, and legal regulations, a review of the most cited literature in other combat sports was carried out. Methods: By searching the WOS and Scopus scientific databases, the top 60 cited papers were identified, and ultimately, 13 articles that met the inclusion criteria for this review were selected. Findings and conclusions: Apart from the advantages gained in strength and mass through weight reduction, a mental advantage is also obtained. The period between weigh-ins and the actual bouts is considered crucial for the preservation of performance. When the rules allow for a longer recovery period, this enables aggressive, harmful, or prohibited weight reduction methods to be employed by some wrestlers. A chronic reduction in body weight is regarded as a long-term health issue but may be ignored by wrestlers. There has been no progress in the attempt to regulate the problem of rapid weight loss (RWL) within wrestling in the past thirty-five years. If any change is to be brought about, the engagement of all federations, clubs, WADA, and all individuals involved in this issue (athletes, coaches, parents, doctors, etc.) is deemed necessary.