Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s recent disqualification from the Paris Olympics due to exceeding the 50-kilogram weight limit highlights the intense pressure athletes face to meet stringent weight requirements. Vinesh was disqualified just before her final match, missing out on a potential gold medal, after struggling to shed excess weight.
In response to this incident, IndiaToday.in consulted experts to shed light on the rapid weight loss techniques employed by athletes. Registered dietitian Neelanjana Singh explained that short-term weight reduction often involves consuming diuretic foods such as coffee, tea, watermelons, and cucumbers to eliminate excess water weight. While effective in the short term, Singh cautioned that these methods should not be used regularly due to potential negative impacts on performance.
Diksha Dayal, Head of Department & Senior Dietician at SHALBY Sanar International Hospitals, emphasized the role of sleep and dietary adjustments in weight management. “Eating more protein and fiber, along with adequate sleep, can facilitate short-term weight loss. However, reducing water and salt intake, as seen in Vinesh’s case, can lead to dehydration and health issues,” she added.
The case underscores the significant physical toll and risks associated with extreme weight-cutting practices in competitive sports. Athletes and teams must approach weight management with care to ensure both performance and health are maintained.
