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Wisconsin minimum weight program reduces weight-cutting practices of high school wrestlers
R A Oppliger1, G L Landry, S W Foster
1Graduate Program in Physical Therapy, University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242, USA.
Summary
The Wisconsin wrestling minimal weight program (WMWP) significantly reduced unhealthy weight-loss behaviors in high school wrestlers. This program, including body fat limits and nutrition education, is recommended for other states.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Adolescent Health
- Nutrition Science
Background:
- Unhealthy weight-loss practices are prevalent among high school wrestlers.
- The Wisconsin wrestling minimal weight program (WMWP) was implemented to address these issues.
- The WMWP includes a minimal weight limit based on body fat and nutrition education.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of the WMWP on wrestlers' weight-cutting practices and behaviors.
- To assess changes in weight-loss methods and bulimic behaviors after program implementation.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective survey was conducted among high school wrestlers.
- Data were collected 1 year before (1990) and 2 years after (1993) the WMWP implementation.
- Schools were stratified by size and program quality; 713 wrestlers were surveyed in 1990 and 368 in 1993.
Main Results:
- Significant reductions were observed in the most weight lost (MWL), weight lost to certify (WLC), weekly weight cycled (WWC), longest fast (LF), and frequency of cutting weight (FCW).
- Weight-loss methods like food/fluid restriction and use of rubber suits declined significantly.
- The prevalence of wrestlers exhibiting multiple bulimic behaviors decreased by 11%.
Conclusions:
- The WMWP appears effective in reducing unhealthy weight-loss behaviors among high school wrestlers.
- The study recommends similar programs be adopted by other states.
- Recommendations align with those from the American Medical Association and American College of Sports Medicine.
