Weight-making sports impose specific weight limits for competition in order to match opponents of equal weight and ability.
For example, a middle-weight boxer will be more competitive if he can drop a few kilograms to compete in the lower weight division of under 68 kg, rather than fight against much heavier opponents. As a result, many athletes participating in weight-making sports employ tactics to downsize just before an event.
A low body-weight level is a distinct advantage in weight-category sports, because it improves the power-to-weight ratio and helps increase an athlete's rate of acceleration.
Due to the weight-making pressures of weight-category sports and the possibility of being disqualified before a competition, many athletes develop unhealthy eating and drinking patterns, which include weight cycling (yo-yo dieting) and binge eating. These practices not only have a negative effect on performance, but also carry other risks, both physiological and psychological, such as mood swings.
Making weight need not be a problem, provided strategies are implemented in good time, rather than hours before competition.
Weight-loss techniques used by athletes to make weight are:
Drastic dehydration
Spitting
Forced nose bleeds
Food and fluid restriction
Increased exercise
Fasting
Sauna
Rubber suits
Laxatives
Vomiting
Use of banned substances
Although the competitive event may be of short duration, training usually involves long hours of high-intensity training with high-intensity demands. Training taxes all the energy systems used during competition and also incorporates skill and technique.
Athletes often become energy efficient; they are able to train and compete on far fewer calories than expected. This energy efficiency makes weight loss more difficult so that athletes resort to more and more drastic measures.
Weight fluctuations and changes in diet and activity also alter metabolism, endocrine function and body composition.
Boxing
Amateur
Each bout consists of four two-minute rounds (maximum five) with a minute rest in-between. Between rounds boxers can receive fluid and coaching advice. Competitors box every second day and may be expected to box four to five times during the tournament. The main objective is to score maximum points. There should be at least a three-hour gap between weighing-in and competition.
Boxing
Professional
World title fights are fought over 12 three-minute rounds. The number of rounds per fight varies between 4 and 12 (with a maximum of 15). Competitors usually fight three to four times per year. The main objective is to score a knock-out. Competitors in any of the world boxing organisations' title bouts weigh in 24 hours prior to a fight. Weight divisions may vary slightly between countries and boxing associations.
Horse racing – jockeys
Races are conducted over various distances, usually 1000-2000m lasting 1-2 minutes, but can be as long as 3200m. Jockeys can have up to eight rides during one racing session, which lasts roughly 5-6 hours. All jockeys weigh in 30 to 45 minutes before each race in which they compete, and again directly after the race. Minimum weight for any race varies between races and between countries, and horses are weight-handicapped according to ability or age. If a horse carries less or more than the given weight, it may be disqualified and the jockey fined.
Judo
Each bout lasts four minutes for females and five minutes for males. Participants can expect to contest four to five (up to eight) bouts during the competition. A minimum of 10 minutes must elapse between bouts. The aim is to throw or pin the opponent in a ground hold. Weigh-in starts at least two hours before the scheduled start of the competition. Weight can be checked unofficially until the official weigh-in period one hour before competition.
Karate
There are team events, but these have no weight categories. The individual bouts last three minutes for males and two minutes for females. Depending on the number of competitors in the tournament, competitors will fight six to eight times. Competition for a weight category is completed over one day. At international level, weigh-in is usually conducted the day before the tournament starts.
Lightweight Rowing Racing takes place over a 2000m course, lasting 5,5 - 7 minutes. The tournament lasts seven days, with competitors racing every second day. Weigh-in takes place not less than one hour and not more than two hours before the start of the race. Competitors are expected to weigh in each day and for each event in which they compete.
Taekwondo Taekwondo means the way of kicking and striking. Competition is over one day only, during which each contender fights 5-8 bouts. Each bout involves three three-minute rounds with a minute between rounds. Points are awarded for legitimate blows and deducted for fouls. A single elimination event decides the medal. There is usually a 1-2 hour lapse between weigh-in and the start of the competition.
Weightlifting (Olympic) Competitors have three lifts in each of two disciplines; clean-and-jerk and snatch. Competition for any one competitor is conducted over one day. Weigh-in takes place two hours before the start of the competition and lasts one hour. Lifters are required to weigh in once during the course of the competition.
Wrestling One bout consists of three-minute rounds for international competitions. Competition sessions last no longer than three hours. Individual weight categories are contested over a maximum of two days, with each participant fighting four or fewer bouts per day. The main objective is to establish physical control and pin the opponent down. Competitors are expected to weigh in only once. The weigh-in period lasts 30 minutes and takes place on the evening before the competition some time between 18:00 and 20:00.
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