Landers, D. M., Urakawa, K. S., Lutz, R. S., He, C. X., Romero, D. H., Slade, J. M., Prezuhy, A. M., & Arent, S. M. (1999). The cognitive effects of rapid weight loss in high school wrestlers. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 31(5), Supplement abstract 316.

This study assessed the effects of rapid weight loss on cognitive and positive/negative affect tests in high school wrestlers. Wrestlers maintaining (N = 18) or losing (N = 23) weight before competing, were subjected to a battery of cognitive and mood state tests. Ss were measured before weight loss (3-4 days before competing) and at weigh-in.

The average weight loss was 1.99 kg, while the maintenance group gained 0.5 kg. There were no differences between the groups for cognitive or mood factors. Four Ss who lost an average of 4.26 kg showed increased negative mood, less positive mood, and a longer latency of choice reaction time.

Implication. Rapid weight loss might only affect cognitive and mood factors if it is extreme.

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