The dangers of cutting weight and dehydrating

Improper weight cutting is dangerous and can have many dangerous effects.

• Decreased muscle and strength endurance.

• Decreased heart and cardiovascular function.

• Reduced energy utilization.

• Heat illness (heat cramps, loss of consciousness, heat exhaustion and heat stroke).

• Decreased kidney function.

• Electrolyte problems.

• Mood swings and mental changes.

• Eye trouble.

• Increased risk of brain injury.

• Decreased kidney function.

The do's and don'ts

Do:

• Commit to year-round proper diet and training.

• Maintain your weight year-round near an appropriate competition weight.

• Maintain a good state of hydration daily.

• Follow nutritional programs that meet your weight loss and health goals.

• Be wary of nutritional supplements.

Don't:

• Don't use extreme methods for making weight such as excessive heat methods (rubberized suits, steam rooms, sauna).

• Excessive intense bouts of exercise.

• Use of unorthodox methods of weight loss (vomiting, laxatives and diuretics).

• Don't use dehydration as a mainstay of making weight.