Effects of Rapid Weight Loss in Male and Female Wrestlers
Andrew D Marten1, Michael D Mattin2, Mia V Rumps3
1Loyola University Medical Center and Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois.
Abstract:
Marten, AD, Mattin, MD, Rumps, MV, Saraf, SM, and Mulcahey, MK. Effects of rapid weight loss in male and female wrestlers. J Strength Cond Res 39(5): e721-e729, 2025-The long-standing practice of rapid weight loss (RWL) of wrestlers and other combat athletes is known as "cutting weight." This practice often consists of rapid dehydration and malnutrition to "weigh-in" at a lower weight class for competition. There are multiple negative nutritional and psychological implications in wrestlers because of cutting weight including significantly increased risk of athletic injury, decreased serum testosterone and increased serum cortisol, as well as an increased risk of eating disorders and hormone fluctuations in female athletes. In addition, literature suggests a decrease in athletic performance for athletes undergoing >5% RWL. The purpose of this narrative review was to provide an overview of the implications of weight cutting on athletic performance and overall well-being, and to highlight specific medical, physiological, and psychological effects in male and female wrestlers to aid healthcare workers in making recommendations regarding weight cutting practices.
Related Concept Videos
Anorexia Nervosa
Symptoms and Physical Effects
Individuals with anorexia nervosa commonly exhibit extreme...
Signs of Puberty
Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Menopause
Metabolic States of the Body: Fasting and Starvation


