Weight Loss and Gain in Athletes
Guidance from health professionals will
assist the significant proportion of athletes who desire a change in their
body weight. Athletes who use drastic food or fluid restriction to lose
weight may experience negative consequences, including loss of lean tissue,
hormonal disturbances, and performance impairment. Excess food consumption
for weight gain can increase body fat and risk factors for chronic diseases.
Weight change is best done during the off-season, modifying energy intake
up or down by 500 kcal/d. Adequate carbohydrate (60 percent-65 percent,
> 5 g/kg) and protein (15 percent, 1.2-1.8 g/kg) and a low fat intake
(20 percent-25 percent) is appropriate for either weight loss or gain.
The athletic staff should be knowledgeable about the latest rules related
to weight and appropriate weight control methods so they may guide their
athletes using modest, safe approaches that will not negatively affect
health or performance.
Source: Rankin JW. Department of Human
Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, Virginia Tech University, Blacksburg,
VA 24061-0430, USA. 2002
Weight Loss Methods
The science of weight loss and obesity management is constantly evolving,
along with research into weight loss drugs, supplements and gastric bypass
surgery. At present, however, a balanced diet combined with regular exercise
remains the favored weight management strategy of most weight loss experts. Return to Weight Loss Data
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