The Effects of High School Wrestlers Starving Themselves to Make Weight

Wrestling is done based on weight categories that are dependent upon a wrestler's weight at the time of a match. Because many wrestlers opt to stay within a certain weight class, typically based upon their normal weight during wrestling season, they tend to fear gaining weight and thus being moved into a higher weight class. Some wrestlers have taken to starving themselves in order to maintain the weight they need to wrestle where they feel comfortable. The practice of wrestlers starving themselves is unhealthy from a physical and emotional standpoint.

  1. Physical Effects

    • The body requires a constant and steady stream of nutrients to function properly. Athletes require an even greater supply of vitamins, minerals and healthy foods as they tax their bodies through workouts, and thus deplete those needed reserves faster. When a wrestler starves himself, he is no longer providing his body with the foods it needs. Those who starve themselves run the risk of injury, as not having the proper diet makes it harder to recover from injuries and accidents. Additional physical effects during periods of starvation include headaches, fatigue and overall malaise.

    Emotional Effects

    • The emotional roller coaster of having to toggle between normal and abnormal eating patterns can cause wrestlers to live with added stress; primarily during the wresting season. Those that feel the need to starve themselves before matches add extra pressure to their already stressful positions of being a competitive wrestler. Not only does the student deal with the normal pressures of being a teenager and student, he also has to monitor and watch every ounce of food and liquid he consumes. This extra stress can have emotional consequences, such as feelings of inadequacy which can cause poor self-esteem over time.

    Social Effects

    • Wrestlers that become notorious for starving themselves may be labeled in a way that could impact their social standing. Though wrestlers, along with other athletes, tend to enjoy a higher social ranking in high school; constant starvation could cause problems if peers do not approve of the practice of making weight in an unhealthy manner. In addition, during periods of starvation; one tends to have a shorter temper, which also may cause problems among friends.

    Scholastic Effects

    • Wrestlers who starve themselves prior to matches run the risk of lowering their energy level, and thus effecting their academic performance. The lack of proper nutrition when trying to make weight can lead to improper sleep patterns and reduced energy levels. This then negatively impacts the ability to study, concentrate and pay attention while in class. Because starving the body of needed nutrients alters the ability to perform in class, wrestlers who continually starve themselves may notice a drop in academic performance during periods where they engage in temporary starvation tactics.