Weight cutting is a dangerous practice often inappropriately undertaken in combat sports.
This is where contestants rapidly decrease
their body weight before weigh-ins through excessive dehydration, for
the purpose of gaining an advantage by competing in a weight class
artificially below what could be achieved through diet and training.
Contestants then attempt to regain the ‘lost’ weight in the time
between the weigh-in and the contest (usually about 24 hours in Western
Australia), with the intention of being ‘heavier’ than their opponent in
the contest.
Many physical and mental symptoms occur as a result of weight cutting by dehydration which are harmful to all contestants.
In addition, while contestants may be able to regain most or all of
the rapidly lost weight, research suggests that contestants are not
adequately hydrated at the time of the contest. This creates an
increased risk of injury, which can prove fatal.
For further information, download the resources from this page or contact the Commission on 61 8 6552 6104 or combatsport@dlgsc.wa.gov.au.