During the last two months of 1997, three healthy collegiate wrestlers lost their lives while attempting to rapidly lose weight for upcoming tournaments. Each wore a rubber bodysuit beneath a cotton sweat suit while vigorously exercising in a warm room. The first went into cardiac arrest after feeling severe fatigue. The second died of hyperthermia after continuing to exercise despite feeling short of breath. The third died of rhabdomyolysis, a disease caused by the toxicity of muscle cells, while making his way to a scale to weight in.
Sweating and Weight Loss
If you notice a significant drop in weight after extensive sweating, what you're seeing is a loss of water weight. Wearing a sweat suit or other clothing to make your body sweat more has no effect on fat loss. As soon as you consume liquids again, you'll gain back the water weight lost during your workout. While regular sweat suits allow some breathability, you shouldn't wear one during exercise to help you lose weight.
Dangers
Your body sweats as a way to maintain a steady core temperature. When you perspire beneath heavy clothing, such as a sweat suit, the moisture cannot evaporate and you lose the cooling effect. Eventually, your core temperature will begin to rise if your body cannot properly cool itself. As you sweat, your blood pressure decreases and your body gradually loses its ability to transport oxygen to your muscles. According to Columbia University Health Services, as little as a 2 percent drop in body weight from water loss can lead to significant changes in your exercise performance, including weakness, dizziness, confusion -- and in severe cases -- coma and death.
Safe Weight Loss
There is no quick fix for weight loss, so instead of putting your health at risk for the sake of losing a few pounds of water weight, stick to a steady and sustainable diet and exercise plan. Physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist Edward R. Laskowski recommends getting 150 to 300 minutes per week of moderately intense physical activity.
Dress for Success
What you wear while exercising makes a difference when it comes to your safety. When working out during the summer months, wear light, loose-fitting clothing made from cotton or polyester. Exercise in the cooler morning or evening hours, and always drink plenty of fluids before, during and after your workout to prevent dehydration and overheating. On cold days, opt for several layers that you can gradually peel off as you get warmer. Start with one less layer than you'd wear if you were going out for non-exercise reasons.
References
- CDC: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report: Hyperthermia and Dehydration-Related Deaths Associated With Intentional Rapid Weight Loss in Three Collegiate Wrestlers...; Feb. 20, 1998
- Health Services at Columbia University; Working Out While Wrapped in Plastic --- Good for Weight Loss?; July 2009
- Mayo Clinic: Exercise: How Much Do I Need Every Day?; Edward R. Laskowski, M.D.
- Ohio State University Medical Center: The Do's and Don'ts of Exercise
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