Rapid weight gain following weight cutting in male professional boxers

ABSTRACT

Objectives

Weight classifications are used in boxing and other combat sports to match opponents of similar size. Professional boxers commonly engage in a potentially harmful practice known as rapid weight loss or ‘weight cutting’ to make weight the day prior to competition before rehydrating and refueling. This investigation describes the prevalence and magnitude of rapid weight gain in boxers following weigh-in as well as differences in practice with respect to weight class and promotion.

Methods

This analysis describes official weight data from male professional boxers collected by the California State Athletic Commission between 2015 and 2018. A total of 399 athletes were included in the study.

Results

Among included athletes, 389 (97.5%) athletes gained weight between official weigh-in and competition. Total absolute body mass gained was 4.4 ± 2.2 kg corresponding to a total relative body mass gain of 7.2 ± 3.5%. Boxers competing in international promotions gained significantly more body mass than regional competitors (8.0 ± 3.0% vs. 6.6 ± 3.7%; p < 0.001). In total, 82 (20.6%) athletes gained 10% body mass or more before competition. More international competitors reached this 10% threshold than regional competitors (25.3% vs. 17.4%; p = 0.03).

Conclusions

These findings indicate high prevalence and magnitude of RWG in professional boxing, particularly in boxers competing in elite international promotions.

KEYWORDS:

• Body composition
• making weight
• water-electrolyte balance
• hydration
• combat sports
• martial arts

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank Executive Director Andy Foster from the California State Athletic Commission for collecting and sharing the data used in the present investigation.

Declaration of interest

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).