Why Do Fighters Stop Drinking Water? Unveiling the Strategies and Science Behind Hydration in Combat Sports

Why Do Fighters Stop Drinking Water? Understanding the Complexities of Elite Athletic Hydration

It might seem counterintuitive, even alarming, to imagine elite athletes, particularly fighters, deliberately ceasing their intake of water. After all, hydration is fundamental to human survival and optimal physical performance. However, for those at the pinnacle of combat sports, the decision to “stop drinking water” isn’t about outright deprivation but rather a highly strategic and often misunderstood aspect of weight management and performance optimization. This practice, commonly referred to as “cutting weight” or “making weight,” involves a sophisticated interplay of physiological manipulation, dietary adjustments, and sometimes, extreme dehydration techniques to meet specific weight class requirements.

I’ve personally witnessed the lengths some fighters go to, the grim determination etched on their faces as they endure grueling sessions in saunas or wrap themselves in plastic to sweat out every last ounce of fluid. It’s a stark reality of professional fighting, a testament to the immense dedication required, but also a practice that carries significant risks. The question isn’t simply why they stop drinking water, but rather *how* and *why* this extreme form of dehydration becomes a necessary component of their preparation, and what the underlying science and potential consequences are.

The Pressing Need: Weight Classes and Competitive Advantage

At its core, the reason fighters “stop drinking water” is inextricably linked to the structure of combat sports. Boxing, mixed martial arts (MMA), wrestling, and other disciplines are divided into weight classes. This system is designed to ensure fair competition, theoretically pitting athletes of similar size and strength against each other. However, this very structure creates a powerful incentive for athletes to compete at a weight lower than their natural resting weight.

Imagine two fighters, one naturally weighing 180 pounds and the other 170 pounds. If both are competing in a 170-pound weight class, the 180-pound fighter has a significant potential advantage if they can successfully reduce their body weight to 170 pounds or less. This perceived advantage is multifactorial:

• Strength and Size Discrepancy: A fighter who cuts significant weight can enter the ring or cage at a higher body mass than their opponent, potentially possessing a size and strength advantage that was “earned” through dehydration and carbohydrate depletion.
• Reach and Leverage: While not directly related to weight, a naturally larger frame can offer advantages in reach and leverage, which becomes more pronounced if the opponent has also experienced significant weight reduction.
• Psychological Edge: The sheer physical presence of a fighter who appears larger and more powerful can sometimes create a psychological impact on their opponent.

The weigh-in typically occurs 24 to 48 hours before the actual fight. This window allows fighters who have “made weight” an opportunity to rehydrate and replenish their energy stores. The goal is to be as close to their natural weight as possible on fight night, while still meeting the pre-fight weigh-in requirement. This is where the strategy of stopping water intake becomes crucial. By drastically reducing fluid intake in the final days leading up to the weigh-in, fighters aim to shed body weight rapidly, primarily through water loss.

The Mechanics of Water Weight and How Fighters Manipulate It

Understanding why fighters stop drinking water requires a grasp of “water weight.” Our bodies are composed of approximately 60% water. This water is distributed within our cells (intracellular fluid) and in the spaces between cells (extracellular fluid), as well as in our blood. Water plays a critical role in virtually every bodily function, including regulating body temperature, transporting nutrients, and lubricating joints.

When a fighter stops drinking water, they are essentially triggering a rapid decrease in their total body water. This reduction in water volume directly translates to a reduction in body mass, which is how they aim to meet the weigh-in requirements. The process often involves more than just abstaining from water:

• Dietary Restrictions: In the days leading up to the weigh-in, fighters often significantly reduce or eliminate carbohydrate intake. Carbohydrates are stored in the body as glycogen, and each gram of glycogen is bound to approximately 3-4 grams of water. By depleting glycogen stores, fighters also shed associated water weight.
• Increased Sodium Intake (Initially): Paradoxically, some fighters may increase their sodium intake in the days preceding drastic fluid restriction. High sodium levels can signal the kidneys to excrete more water. This is a complex maneuver and depends on individual physiology and the specific strategy employed.
• Sweating: As mentioned earlier, deliberate sweating through saunas, steam rooms, or intense workouts in heavy clothing is a common tactic to expel water. This is a direct and immediate method of reducing body water.
• Diuretics (Risky Practice): While often banned and highly dangerous, some fighters have been known to use diuretic substances. These drugs increase urine production, leading to rapid water loss. This practice is widely condemned by athletic commissions due to its severe health risks.

The combination of these strategies allows fighters to make drastic weight cuts. For instance, a fighter who naturally weighs 185 pounds might aim to make the 170-pound limit. This involves shedding approximately 15 pounds in the days leading up to the weigh-in. A significant portion of this weight loss is water.

The Physiology of Dehydration: A Double-Edged Sword

The human body is remarkably resilient, but prolonged and severe dehydration pushes its limits. When fighters stop drinking water, they induce a state of dehydration that has profound physiological effects. While the immediate goal is weight reduction, these effects can significantly impact performance, both during the rehydration period and in the fight itself.

Immediate Effects of Stopping Water Intake

As soon as water intake is halted and the body begins to lose fluids, several physiological changes occur:

• Reduced Blood Volume: The most immediate consequence is a decrease in blood plasma volume. Blood is crucial for delivering oxygen and nutrients to muscles and organs, and for removing waste products. Reduced blood volume means less efficient transport.
• Increased Blood Viscosity: With less plasma, the blood becomes thicker and more viscous. This makes it harder for the heart to pump blood, increasing the strain on the cardiovascular system.
• Elevated Heart Rate: To compensate for reduced blood volume and increased viscosity, the heart rate often increases to try and maintain adequate blood flow. This is a sign of stress on the circulatory system.
• Decreased Sweat Production: As the body senses a lack of fluids, it conserves water by reducing sweat production. This impairs the body’s ability to regulate temperature, increasing the risk of heatstroke.
• Electrolyte Imbalance: Along with water, essential electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium are lost. These electrolytes are critical for nerve function, muscle contraction, and fluid balance. Imbalances can lead to muscle cramps, fatigue, and even more serious neurological issues.
• Reduced Urine Output: The kidneys will drastically reduce urine output to conserve water, leading to concentrated urine and a higher risk of kidney strain.

Impact on Performance During the Fight

The intention behind cutting weight is to gain an advantage, but the severe dehydration induced by stopping water intake can have the opposite effect. The consequences can manifest during the fight itself:

• Decreased Aerobic Capacity: With reduced blood volume and oxygen delivery, a fighter’s stamina and aerobic capacity will be significantly compromised. They may tire more quickly, struggle to maintain a high pace, and experience shortness of breath.
• Impaired Strength and Power: Muscle function relies heavily on proper hydration and electrolyte balance. Dehydration can lead to a reduction in muscle strength and power output, diminishing a fighter’s ability to deliver effective strikes or maintain grappling control.
• Slower Reaction Times: Dehydration affects cognitive function, including reaction time and decision-making. A fighter might find themselves slower to react to their opponent’s movements, leading to missed opportunities or increased vulnerability.
• Increased Risk of Injury: Dehydrated muscles and connective tissues are less elastic and more prone to tears and strains. The increased strain on the body during a fight also elevates the risk of various injuries.
• Thermoregulation Issues: The inability to sweat effectively means a fighter is at a higher risk of overheating, which can lead to fatigue, disorientation, and a significant drop in performance.
• Mental Fog and Poor Judgment: Severe dehydration can lead to confusion, dizziness, and impaired judgment. This can cause a fighter to make critical errors in strategy or execution during the heat of battle.

From my observations, you can often see the effects of a hard weight cut. Fighters might appear sluggish in the early rounds, their movements less crisp, their responses delayed. The “rehydration” period between the weigh-in and the fight is critical, but it’s not always enough to fully restore the body to its optimal state, especially after extreme dehydration.

The Rehydration Process: A Race Against Time

The period between the weigh-in and the fight is a critical window for fighters to recover from their weight cut. The goal of rehydration is to replenish lost fluids and electrolytes and restore energy stores as quickly and effectively as possible. This is a meticulous process that requires careful planning and execution.

Key Components of Effective Rehydration

Fighters typically employ a multi-pronged approach:

• Oral Fluid Intake: This is the most straightforward method. Fighters will begin drinking water, electrolyte-rich sports drinks, and sometimes even diluted juices. The key is to consume fluids gradually to avoid overwhelming the digestive system and to maximize absorption.
• Electrolyte Replenishment: Simply drinking water isn’t enough. Lost electrolytes must be replaced. This is achieved through specialized sports drinks, electrolyte tablets, or even by consuming foods rich in potassium, sodium, and magnesium (though food intake is often limited initially).
• Carbohydrate Loading: To restore glycogen stores, fighters will consume easily digestible carbohydrates. This can include fruits, rice, pasta, or specialized carbohydrate supplements. This provides the necessary fuel for sustained energy during the fight.
• Salt Loading (Judiciously): While high sodium intake can be used to promote water excretion before the weigh-in, controlled sodium intake during rehydration is crucial. Sodium helps the body retain fluids, preventing rapid loss of what’s been consumed.
• Rest and Recovery: Allowing the body to rest and recover is paramount. Pushing too hard during the rehydration phase can negate the benefits.

Challenges and Risks of Rehydration

Despite best efforts, rehydration is not always successful, and there are inherent risks:

• Gut Distress: Consuming large amounts of fluids and food after a period of severe restriction can lead to nausea, vomiting, and cramping.
• Water Intoxication (Hyponatremia): In rare but dangerous cases, rapid and excessive water consumption without adequate electrolyte replacement can lead to hyponatremia, a condition where blood sodium levels become dangerously low. This can cause confusion, seizures, and even death.
• Incomplete Recovery: Even with optimal rehydration, it’s often impossible to fully restore the body to its pre-cut state, especially after drastic weight losses. Some level of performance deficit may persist.
• Individual Variability: Each fighter’s body responds differently to weight cutting and rehydration. What works for one may not work for another.

I’ve seen fighters who look significantly depleted at the weigh-in, only to appear remarkably recovered on fight night. Conversely, I’ve also witnessed those who clearly struggle, their movements heavy and their energy visibly low, a direct consequence of a poorly executed weight cut and rehydration.

The Dark Side: Health Risks Associated with Extreme Weight Cutting

The practice of drastically reducing body weight, often by stopping water intake, is not without its serious health consequences. While the allure of a perceived competitive advantage drives many fighters, the long-term and short-term risks are substantial and cannot be ignored.

Short-Term Dangers

The immediate effects of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance during and immediately after the weight cut can be severe:

• Kidney Damage: The kidneys are put under immense stress trying to conserve water and filter waste products from concentrated blood. This can lead to acute kidney injury.
• Heatstroke: Impaired thermoregulation makes fighters highly susceptible to overheating, especially in environments where fights often take place.
• Cardiac Arrhythmias: Electrolyte imbalances, particularly low potassium levels, can disrupt the heart’s electrical activity, leading to dangerous arrhythmias.
• Seizures: Severe electrolyte imbalances, especially hyponatremia, can trigger seizures.
• Collateral Damage to Organs: Extreme dehydration can reduce blood flow to vital organs, potentially causing damage.
• Headaches and Dizziness: Common symptoms that significantly impair focus and performance.

Long-Term Health Concerns

The cumulative effect of repeated extreme weight cuts over a career can have lasting impacts on a fighter’s health:

• Chronic Kidney Disease: Repeated stress on the kidneys can lead to long-term damage and reduced kidney function.
• Cardiovascular Issues: The constant strain on the heart from fluctuating hydration levels and increased workload can contribute to long-term cardiovascular problems.
• Hormonal Imbalances: Extreme dieting and dehydration can disrupt hormonal balance, affecting metabolism, mood, and reproductive health.
• Increased Risk of Concussion and Brain Injury: While not directly caused by dehydration, a dehydrated brain may be more vulnerable to the effects of impact, potentially exacerbating the risks of brain trauma.
• Metabolic Disorders: Repeated cycles of drastic caloric and fluid restriction can negatively impact metabolism, making it harder to maintain a healthy body weight and composition in the long run.

There’s a growing body of research and anecdotal evidence highlighting these dangers. Fighters often push their bodies to the absolute brink, and the cumulative damage is a concern that athletic commissions and medical professionals are increasingly addressing.

The Role of Sports Science and Athletic Commissions

Recognizing the inherent dangers of extreme weight cutting, sports governing bodies and athletic commissions are implementing stricter regulations and promoting safer practices. The goal is to mitigate the risks associated with fighters stopping water intake and other drastic dehydration methods.

Regulation and Monitoring

Athletic commissions play a crucial role in overseeing weigh-ins and fighter safety. Their efforts include:

• Stricter Weigh-In Rules: Some commissions have introduced “two-division limits,” meaning fighters can only move up or down a limited number of weight classes to prevent extreme cuts.
• Hydration Testing: Some organizations are exploring or implementing hydration testing at weigh-ins to ensure fighters are not dangerously dehydrated.
• Medical Supervision: Ensuring medical personnel are present and vigilant during the weigh-in process and throughout fight events.
• Banning Dangerous Practices: Prohibiting the use of banned substances, including diuretics, and actively testing for them.

Promoting Safer Weight Management

Beyond regulation, there’s a push towards educating fighters and their teams about safer and more sustainable weight management strategies:

• Gradual Weight Loss: Encouraging fighters to begin their weight-cutting process much earlier, employing gradual caloric deficits and maintaining better hydration throughout.
• Nutritional Guidance: Providing access to qualified sports nutritionists who can develop personalized and healthy weight management plans.
• Focus on Performance, Not Just Weight: Shifting the mindset from solely making weight to optimizing performance on fight night through healthy means.
• Education on Risks: Continuously educating fighters, coaches, and cornermen about the severe health risks associated with extreme dehydration.

While the culture of weight cutting is deeply ingrained in many combat sports, these efforts are crucial steps toward prioritizing fighter safety and well-being.

Personal Perspectives and Ethical Considerations

Witnessing the extreme lengths fighters go to, you can’t help but develop a complex mix of admiration for their discipline and concern for their health. The pressure to make weight is immense, and the perceived necessity of these extreme measures often stems from a combination of tradition, fear of facing a larger opponent, and the drive to succeed.

From a coaching perspective, the ethical tightrope is palpable. Do you advocate for what might give your fighter a physical edge, even if it carries risks? Or do you prioritize their long-term health, potentially at the cost of a fight advantage? Ideally, the goal is to find strategies that minimize risk while maximizing performance. This often involves working with fighters who have different natural weight classes and guiding them toward making weight in a way that is as safe as possible. It’s about finding that sweet spot where they can be competitive without jeopardizing their health.

The conversation around weight cutting is evolving. There are fighters and coaches who are pioneers in adopting more scientific, healthier approaches. They demonstrate that success can be achieved without resorting to the most extreme methods of dehydration. However, the ingrained culture and the competitive pressures mean that the practice of fighters stopping drinking water, in some form, will likely persist until more fundamental changes occur in how weight classes and weigh-ins are structured across combat sports.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fighters and Water Intake

How much weight can fighters realistically lose through stopping water intake?

The amount of weight a fighter can lose by stopping water intake, often combined with other dehydration tactics like sauna use and dietary changes, varies greatly depending on the individual’s physiology, body composition, and the duration of the dehydration period. However, it’s not uncommon for fighters to aim to shed anywhere from 5% to 10% of their body weight in the last 24-72 hours before a weigh-in. For a 170-pound fighter, this could mean losing between 8.5 to 17 pounds. It’s crucial to understand that a significant portion of this rapid weight loss is indeed water weight, not actual fat loss.

For example, a fighter might have a “walking around weight” of 185 pounds but needs to make the 170-pound limit for their fight. In the final 48 hours, they might cut off all fluid intake, drastically reduce carbohydrate consumption (which, as mentioned, holds water), and spend considerable time in a sauna. This combination can lead to a rapid shedding of body water. However, it’s important to reiterate that this is a physiological stressor. While the number on the scale goes down, the fighter’s actual physiological hydration levels are critically low.

Why do fighters stop drinking water instead of just dieting for longer?

The primary reason fighters stop drinking water and resort to aggressive dehydration methods is the timeline imposed by weigh-ins. Most fights have weigh-ins 24 to 48 hours before the bout. This relatively short window necessitates rapid weight loss. Traditional dieting, which involves a sustained caloric deficit, takes weeks or months to achieve significant fat loss. While dieting is a component of a fighter’s overall regimen, it’s not typically sufficient to make drastic weight cuts in the short timeframe available before a weigh-in.

Stopping water intake, coupled with methods like sauna use and carbohydrate depletion, allows for a much faster reduction in body mass, primarily through water loss. The strategy is to make weight at the weigh-in and then use the remaining time to rehydrate and refuel, aiming to be as close to their natural fighting weight as possible by the time the fight begins. This is where the perceived competitive advantage comes into play: entering the fight with a higher body mass than the opponent, despite having made the lower weight class limit.

It’s a calculated risk. The hope is that the benefits of being larger and stronger outweigh the negative impacts of the dehydration and subsequent rehydration. However, as discussed, this strategy is fraught with health risks and can sometimes backfire, leading to compromised performance.

Is stopping water intake the only way fighters cut weight?

No, stopping water intake is just one, albeit a very common and significant, method within the broader practice of weight cutting. Fighters often employ a combination of strategies, and the exact approach can vary widely. These methods generally fall into categories designed to reduce body mass rapidly:

• Caloric Restriction: Fighters reduce their daily food intake, focusing on nutrient-dense, low-calorie foods. This is typically done over a longer period leading up to the final days before the weigh-in.
• Carbohydrate Depletion: As previously explained, by reducing carbohydrate intake, fighters deplete their glycogen stores, which are bound to water. This leads to a loss of “water weight.”
• Intense Physical Activity (Strategically): While strenuous workouts can be counterproductive due to energy expenditure, carefully timed and controlled exercise sessions, especially in warm environments or with minimal clothing, can induce sweating and thus fluid loss.
• Saunas and Steam Rooms: Fighters spend extended periods in saunas or steam rooms, often wrapped in plastic suits, to induce profuse sweating and rapid water loss. This is one of the most direct ways to lose water weight.
• Diuretics (Banned and Dangerous): Some individuals illegally use diuretic substances to increase urine output and accelerate water loss. This is highly dangerous, strongly discouraged by sports commissions, and can lead to severe health consequences.
• Laxatives: While less common for water weight, laxatives can be used to clear the digestive tract, contributing a small amount to weight reduction.

Stopping water intake is often the final, most aggressive step in this process, aiming to shed the last few pounds to meet the target weight. It’s rarely done in isolation but as part of a comprehensive, albeit often risky, weight-cutting regimen.

What are the long-term health consequences of repeated extreme weight cutting?

The long-term health consequences of repeatedly subjecting the body to extreme dehydration and rapid weight fluctuations are significant and can have a lasting impact on a fighter’s well-being. The body is not designed to endure these cycles of severe stress. Some of the most concerning long-term effects include:

• Kidney Damage: The kidneys are crucial for filtering waste and balancing fluids. Repeatedly forcing them to work under conditions of extreme dehydration and then sudden rehydration can lead to chronic kidney disease, impaired kidney function, and an increased risk of kidney failure later in life.
• Cardiovascular Strain: The heart is put under tremendous stress as it tries to pump thicker blood with reduced volume. This can lead to chronic cardiovascular issues, including an increased risk of heart disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), and arrhythmias.
• Metabolic Disturbances: The body’s metabolism can become dysregulated from cycles of severe restriction and rapid refeeding. This can lead to issues with blood sugar regulation, making it harder to maintain a healthy weight and increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
• Hormonal Imbalances: Extreme dieting and dehydration can disrupt the endocrine system, affecting hormones like testosterone, cortisol, and thyroid hormones. This can lead to issues with energy levels, mood, libido, and reproductive health.
• Digestive Issues: The gastrointestinal system can be permanently affected, leading to chronic issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), difficulty digesting certain foods, and nutrient malabsorption.
• Neurological Effects: While the immediate effects like dizziness and confusion are well-known, there’s concern that repeated dehydration might have subtle long-term impacts on brain health and cognitive function, potentially exacerbating the risks associated with concussions.
• Bone Density Reduction: Severe caloric restriction over time can lead to a decrease in bone density, increasing the risk of fractures.

Fighters who engage in these practices for many years are essentially accelerating the aging process of their internal organs and systems. It’s a trade-off where the perceived short-term competitive advantage comes at a potentially steep price for their overall health and longevity.

Are there safer ways for fighters to manage weight?

Absolutely, and this is a growing area of focus within sports science and athletic training. While aggressive weight cutting methods like stopping water intake have been prevalent, there are indeed safer and more sustainable ways for fighters to manage their weight. These strategies prioritize long-term health and consistent performance:

• Gradual Weight Loss: Instead of making drastic cuts in the days before a fight, fighters can begin a gradual caloric deficit weeks or even months in advance. This allows for a slower, more controlled reduction in body fat while minimizing water loss and muscle breakdown.
• Nutrient-Dense Diet: Focusing on a balanced diet rich in lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables provides the body with the necessary nutrients for energy and recovery, even when in a caloric deficit.
• Consistent Hydration: Maintaining optimal hydration throughout training camp, rather than drastically cutting fluids at the end, is crucial for overall health, performance, and cognitive function.
• Building Muscle Mass: For fighters who are naturally lighter, focusing on building lean muscle mass over time can help them be more competitive in a higher weight class without the need for extreme cuts.
• Strategic Meal Timing: Working with a nutritionist to optimize meal timing can help manage energy levels and hunger effectively.
• Professional Guidance: Partnering with qualified sports dietitians, nutritionists, and strength and conditioning coaches who understand the demands of combat sports and can develop personalized, safe weight management plans.
• Accepting a Natural Weight Class: In some cases, fighters may be better served by competing in a weight class closer to their natural body weight, rather than constantly trying to force their bodies into much lower categories.

The shift towards these methods is driven by a better understanding of physiology and the long-term health risks associated with extreme weight cutting. While it might require a different mindset and a longer-term approach, it ultimately leads to a healthier, more sustainable career for the fighter.

What is the role of an athletic commission in preventing dangerous weight cutting practices?

Athletic commissions play a vital role in safeguarding the health and safety of fighters. Their responsibilities in relation to weight cutting practices include:

• Establishing and Enforcing Rules: Commissions set the rules for weigh-ins, including weight limits for different divisions and the timing of weigh-ins. They are responsible for enforcing these rules consistently.
• Medical Supervision: They ensure that medical personnel are present at weigh-ins and fights to monitor fighters’ health and intervene if dangerous conditions are observed. This includes assessing fighters for signs of severe dehydration or other health risks.
• Licensing and Regulation of Professionals: Commissions license promoters, trainers, and sometimes even cornermen. They can revoke licenses or impose sanctions on individuals who promote or facilitate dangerous weight-cutting practices.
• Promoting Education and Awareness: While their primary role is enforcement, commissions also have a responsibility to educate fighters, coaches, and the public about the risks associated with extreme weight cutting and to advocate for safer practices.
• Implementing New Protocols: As research evolves and new risks are identified, commissions can update regulations. This could include implementing stricter hydration testing, mandating weigh-ins closer to the fight time to reduce the window for extreme cuts, or setting limits on the amount of weight a fighter can gain between weigh-in and fight time.
• Investigating and Sanctioning: If a fighter suffers severe health consequences directly attributable to dangerous weight-cutting methods, the commission can investigate the circumstances and impose sanctions on involved parties if rules were violated or negligence occurred.

While their influence is significant, commissions often operate within the existing cultural framework of weight cutting. Continuous dialogue and collaboration between commissions, fighters, coaches, and medical professionals are essential to drive meaningful change toward safer weight management practices in combat sports.

Conclusion: The High Stakes of the Scale

The question of “why do fighters stop drinking water” opens a complex window into the world of professional combat sports. It’s a practice born out of the competitive imperative to gain a physical edge within the rigid structure of weight classes. While the intention is to optimize performance by competing at a lower weight class, the methods employed, particularly the drastic cessation of water intake, involve profound physiological stress and significant health risks.

The allure of a perceived size and strength advantage on fight night drives many fighters to undertake extreme weight cuts. However, the science is clear: severe dehydration impairs physical and cognitive function, compromises recovery, and can lead to both acute and chronic health problems. The short window between the weigh-in and the fight offers a brief opportunity for rehydration, but it often falls short of fully restoring the body’s optimal state, especially after extreme deprivation.

As the understanding of sports science grows, so too does the awareness of the dangers associated with these practices. Athletic commissions, coaches, and fighters themselves are increasingly looking towards safer, more sustainable weight management strategies. The ultimate goal is to foster an environment where competitive fairness is achieved without compromising the long-term health and well-being of the athletes who dedicate their lives to their sport. The scale will always be a significant factor, but the conversation is shifting towards making that weigh-in a reflection of genuine athletic prowess rather than a testament to physiological endurance through risky deprivation.