Cutting weight in combat sports - effects on immunity π₯π
Effects and mitigation strategies.
Effects of Rapid Weight Loss on the Immune System in Combat Sports Athletes: A Systematic Review
Study Details
This new systematic review of 10 studies investigated the effects of rapid weight loss on immune function in combat sports athletes π
Here are the key findings and recommendations β¬οΈ
Key Findings
Evidence shows that rapid weight loss can lead to severe impairments in immune function, includingβ¦
π¦ Reduced salivary sIgA and weakened mucosal immunity
π€§ Increased upper respiratory tract infection risk
π Cortisol-mediated suppression of lymphocyte function
π‘οΈ Reduced natural killer cell cytotoxic activity
βοΈ Elevated neutrophil counts with impaired phagocytic function
π₯ Increased pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-Ξ±)
π Cumulative immune dysfunction with repeated weight cycling
Here are key strategies to mitigate immune impairment β¬οΈ
WEIGHT LOSS STRATEGY
π‘οΈ Limit weight loss to <1% body mass per week to protect immune function
β οΈ Avoid body mass cuts >5% in the final 72 hours before competition
π§ Monitor hydration using urine specific gravity near weigh-in
NUTRITION INTAKE
π Maintain β₯5 g/kg/day carbohydrate during restriction
β‘ Reload with 8β10 g/kg/day carbohydrate after weigh-in
π₯© Keep protein at 1.4β2.0 g/kg/day
𧬠Prioritise vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc intake
REAL-TIME FEEDBACK
π‘οΈ Track salivary sIgA regularly
π Monitor resting salivary cortisol
π¨ Adjust weight cuts if sIgA falls or cortisol rises
π©Ί Review immune markers via periodic blood tests
Reference
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41516380/
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