It's just how we do it: social processes in rapid weight loss for combat sports

Making weight is an essential aspect of preparation for competition in combat sports. In addition to gradual weight loss in order to fight lean, fighters commonly engage in Rapid Weight Loss (RWL) practices seeking short-term hypohydration in order to be lighter for weigh-in. The aims of this study were to explore the RWL-related experiences of N = 7 participants in non-professional UK Thai boxing (Muay Thai), in order to elucidate the socio-cultural and social-psychological processes relating to these behaviours. Four themes were identified: One-upmanship; Setting and conforming to expectations; Self-directed preparation; and Subversion of RWL controls. These themes describe how RWL is learned, rewarded, magnified, often unmitigated, and inherently difficult to restrict. Contrary to suggestions in past research, participant accounts highlight how fighters may aggressively cut weight at lower levels of the sport where health-related interventions are harder to implement.