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Acute Kidney Injury Associated With Dehydration Protocol Used by Combat Sports Athletes.
Antônio André Jarsen Pereira1, Lucas Magri1, Marina de Moura Bello1
1Nephrology Division, Medicine Department, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Pedro de Toledo, 669, São Paulo, 04039-032, Brazil, unifesp.br.
Translational Sports Medicine
|February 4, 2026
Summary
Combat athletes attempting rapid weight loss through dehydration experience acute kidney damage, indicated by proteinuria and increased creatinine. Proper guidance on safe weight management is crucial for fighter health and performance.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Renal Physiology
- Combat Sports Science
Background:
- Weight cutting via dehydration is common in combat sports like Mixed Martial Arts and Muay Thai.
- This practice aims to meet weight class requirements but poses risks to kidney and heart function due to blood volume changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the acute effects of dehydration-induced weight loss on kidney function in Mixed Martial Arts and Muay Thai fighters.
Main Methods:
- The study involved 30 athletes (15 Mixed Martial Arts, 15 Muay Thai) undergoing dehydration protocols.
- Data collected included athlete profiles, vital signs, and urine/blood samples pre-weigh-in, at official weigh-in, and on fight day.
Main Results:
- Athletes exhibited glycosuria, leukocyturia, and proteinuria on weigh-in and fight days.
- Proteinuria and elevated creatinine depuration suggest acute kidney injury with increased filtration rate secondary to dehydration.
Conclusions:
- Dehydration in combat sports leads to significant kidney function alterations and potential acute kidney damage.
- Athletes require education on safe weight management, and evidence-based guidelines for healthier weight control protocols are needed.
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