Wrestlers are weighed prior to competition to determine what weight class they will compete in. Often wrestlers lose weight so they will be up against smaller competition and thus have an advantage. It's difficult for wrestlers to lose weight, because they have to ensure that they're properly fueling their body for performance and not using weight-loss techniques that have proven to be deadly.
Losing Weight
The total amount that you weigh depends on your body composition and your hydration level. Losing body fat requires you to burn more calories than you consume, which is done by exercising regularly and increasing the number of calories you burn, and limiting calorie intake by making certain food and drink decisions. Wrestlers require a significant amount of calories for fuel so that they can perform, so it's not unusual for many to attempt to lose weight by losing fluid using dangerous methods to increase sweating.
Dangers for Wrestlers
Wrestlers have used an excessive amount of exercise and wearing plastic or rubber suits while working as a way to increase sweating and reduce their weight. They also have fasted from both food and drink, all in an attempt to decrease the total amount they weigh. Dehydration has cause overheating and heat stroke, kidney failure and heart attacks -- and death -- in wrestlers.
Exercise Considerations
Wrestlers need to strive toward losing weight in a healthy manner, which isn't easy. Weight loss should come from decreases in body fat, not lean muscle or water. Make efforts toward increasing cardiovascular activities, which burn a significant number of calories per unit of time. The American Council on Exercise recommends getting about 60 minutes of cardiovascular activity on most days of the week to lose body fat.
Nutritional Considerations
Do not limit your food intake, but make healthy decisions, consuming primarily fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains, which are lower in calories and fat but provide nutrients and fuel for them to maintain health and strength. Instead of three main meals, eat more frequently, with meal sizes being smaller. Water intake should be high to maintain healthy hydration levels,as you lose a significant amount of fluid during practice and competition. A wrestler should lose no more than 2 lbs. per week.
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