Vinesh Phogat’s Paris Olympics Disqualification: The Challenge of Quick Weight Loss for Athletes
Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat faced disqualification just before her final round in the 50-kilogram wrestling category at the Paris Olympics. The reason for this was being 150 grams over the weight limit on the morning of the competition, dashing her hopes for a maiden gold medal.
Quick Weight Loss Methods Used by Athletes
To meet the 50kg limit, Vinesh spent the night before the weigh-in skipping meals, drinking less water, and engaging in intense activities like skipping, jogging, and cycling.
- Diuretic Foods: Experts mention that consuming diuretic foods like coffee, tea, watermelons, cucumbers, and lemons can help shed extra grams by removing excess water from the body. This method, while effective in the short term, is not recommended for long-term use as it could hamper performance.
- Avoiding Sugary Beverages: Another way to reduce weight quickly is to avoid sugary drinks. Green tea can be beneficial, and swapping snacks with cucumber or sucking on ginger, combined with high-intensity interval training, can also help.
The Role of Sleep and Dietary Changes
Doctors emphasize the importance of sleep in weight loss. They explain that:
- Protein and Fibre: Adjusting dietary patterns to include more protein and fibre is crucial.
- Plenty of Sleep: Getting sufficient sleep can help in losing even up to a kilo.
The night before the competition, Vinesh had to lose 1.85kg. This extreme weight loss method led to dehydration, causing her to faint and require hospitalization the next day. Experts note that athletes often reduce their water and salt intake to shed weight quickly.
Usual Competition Weight
Vinesh Phogat typically competes in the 53kg category, as she did in the last two Olympics in 2016 and 2020. The shift to a lower weight category posed significant challenges for her.
| Weight Loss Tips for Athletes | Description |
|---|---|
| Diuretic Foods | Coffee, tea, watermelons, cucumbers, lemons to shed water weight. |
| Avoid Sugary Beverages | Opt for green tea, cucumbers, ginger, and high-intensity interval training. |
| Adequate Sleep | Essential for weight loss; aim for plenty of rest. |
| Protein and Fibre Intake | Adjust diet to include more protein and fibre. |
| Reducing Water and Salt Intake | Common but risky method for quick weight loss. |
The methods Vinesh used highlight the extreme measures athletes sometimes take to meet competition weight limits, underscoring the importance of safe and sustainable practices in sports.