Weight cutting in mixed martial arts: The cognitive and physical consequences of pre-competition rapid weight loss

Mixed martial arts is a relatively new sport that places unique demands on its athletes; yet it is not as well studied compared to other combative sports. Mixed martial arts sport competitions separate athletes into weight classes. To have a competitive size advantage athletes use rapid weight loss (weight cutting) to officially weigh-in 24 hours prior to an event at their weight classes upper limit and then return to normal weight prior to the event.Weight cutting is the use of primarily dehydration (combined with diet and exercise) to reduce ones body mass by 5-10% in a short time period. Studies in different combative sports found that significant weight loss using dehydration increased the risk of muscle damage and decreased energy, cognition and physical performance.This poster won the Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences Award (2017