Weight control in the athlete

Altering body composition either through reducing body fat or increasing muscle mass is a frequent and very important concern of large numbers of young athletes. When efforts to induce these body changes are approached with sound principles of nutrition and training, the resulting changes in body composition can make the desired contribution to health and fitness as well as contributing to increasing the athlete's performance potential. Any attempt to alter body composition must be planned over a significant time period, making it essential to initiate the program several weeks prior to the competing season. Significant increases or decreases in any body tissue component cannot be safely accomplished in a brief period. Supervision by a physician or another legitimate health professional is highly recommended to protect the motivated athlete from the abuses of faddists, quacks, and nutrition charlatans. The proper educational information regarding the ineffectiveness and hazards of drug use by the athlete are also to be dealt with. Having achieved a desired body composition, the athlete will recognize an achieved weight as his or her desired competing weight. Monitoring body weight two or three times weekly during the season will identify any involuntary changes in body weight that, if continued, will inevitably compromise athletic performance.