Wrestling & Weight Loss
Intentional weight loss or "cutting weight" is common practice in wrestling. However, there is inherent risk when done improperly or to quickly. Below are resources for wrestlers and parents to help ensure safe weight management.
Body Fat % is in an important concept for weight management. Body fat % refers to the total % of body mass that is fat. For example; an athlete that has 15% body fat would indicate that 15% of their entire body is fat.
The minimum is 7%; at 7% the athlete is required to be evaluated and cleared by a physician to participate. Even though an athlete can get to 7% it is not advised. Performance and health are likely to be impacted negatively.
Body fat is assessed at the beginning of each season and used to create a descent plan. The descent plan dictates which weight class the athlete may wrestle at on specific dates. Keep in mind the goal of the descent plan is to maintain safe weight loss; it is not an end goal.