Is it time to look at rapid weight loss in paralympic combat sports?

Abstract

Rapid weight loss is commonly employed by athletes in combat sports to compete in lower weight classes, but it can pose significant health risks, including dehydration, stroke, and kidney failure, especially when extreme methods are used. This practice is further complicated in Paralympic combat sports, where athletes with impairments face unique physiological challenges that increase the potential for injury and health complications. For athletes with impairments, rapid weight loss may exacerbate pre-existing conditions, affect movement patterns, and lead to injuries and fatigue. Additionally, the recent changes to judo weight classes for the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games could encourage even more extreme weight-cutting practices, raising concerns about athlete safety. This paper calls for further research to examine the effects of rapid weight loss in Paralympic combat sports, focusing on tailored monitoring strategies for hydration, body composition, and overall metabolic function to ensure the well-being of these athletes.