Weight Loss in Wrestlers
For more than a half century, rapid weight loss in wrestling has remained a concern among
educators, health professionals, exercise scientists and parents. Since ACSM first published
the Position Stand “Weight Loss in Wrestlers” in 1976, numerous research articles have
been published on this topic. On a weekly basis, rapid weight loss in high school and
collegiate wrestlers has been shown to average 4-5 lbs. and may exceed 6-7 lbs. among
20% of the wrestlers. One-third of high school and collegiate wrestlers have been reported
repeating this practice more than 10 times in a season. These practices have been
documented over the past 25 years, and during that time, there appears to be little change
in their prevalence.