Impairment and Prevention of Losing Weight on Athletes' Health and Performance

Participants in many events,such as wrestling,gymnastics and lightweight crew,attempt to reduce body weight to achieve a maximum ratio of muscle strength to body weight.Rapid weight reduction by starvation and dehydration compromises strength and endurance.This article describes unhealthy weight-control practices that may be harmful to the health and performance of athletes.Healthy methods of weight loss and weight gain are discussed.