"It’s just how we do it": social processes in rapid weight loss for combat sports

Wilbraham, Susan ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8512-0041 , Elliott, David ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4790-2354 and Miller, Paul K. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5611-1354 (2024) "It’s just how we do it": social processes in rapid weight loss for combat sports. Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine . Item availability may be restricted.

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Abstract

Making weight is an essential aspect of preparation for competition in combat sports. In addition to gradual weight loss in order to fight lean, fighters commonly engage in Rapid Weight Loss (RWL) practices seeking short term hypohydration in order to be lighter for weigh-in. The aims of this study were to explore the RWL-related experiences of N=7 participants in non-professional UK Thai boxing (Muay Thai), in order to elucidate the socio-cultural and social psychological processes relating to these behaviours. Four themes were identified: One-upmanship; Setting and conforming to expectations; Self-directed preparation; and Subversion of RWL controls. These themes describe how RWL is learned, rewarded, magnified, often unmitigated, and inherently difficult to restrict. Contrary to suggestions in past research, participant accounts highlight how fighters may aggressively cut weight at lower levels of the sport where health-related interventions are harder to implement.

Item Type:	Article
Journal / Publication Title:	Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine
Publisher:	Taylor and Francis Group
ISSN:	2164-2850
Departments:	Institute of Health > Psychology and Psychological Therapies Institute of Health > Rehabilitation and Sport Science
Depositing User:	Paul Miller
Date Deposited:	14 Nov 2024 11:43
Last Modified:	14 Nov 2024 11:45
URI:	https://insight.cumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/8499