Losing weight is often linked to faster speed and sharper accuracy, and in many cases, that’s true. But is lighter always better for performance? Not quite. UFC dietitian Jordan Sullivan and Jack Doherty are now challenging the hype

In a shared Instagram post, two of the UFC’s dietitians revealed that after working with multiple fighters such as Alexander Volkanovski, Israel Adesanya, Dan Hooker, and many more, they have learned that body composition is one of the many factors that contribute to better performance.

“That is why we see a range between elite-level athletes. An optimal body composition does exist, but it exists on a spectrum; this is specific for the individual and the goals of the sport. Unnecessary weight loss often sacrifices speed, power, and strength. Athletes should prioritise their intake to improve these,” they said in a collaborative post.

Both of them further stress that the optimal weight is where athletes can consistently perform. If you can’t maintain performance, you shouldn’t maintain the weight.

Their advice? Understand your ideal weight, the point where you can perform at your best, because that’s the key to better performance.

Their analysis is based on years of working with top-level athletes, but what do studies say?

Studies Showcase the Same Idea

Across 59 studies, 2737 out of 6118 athletes, 44.2% women, 49.4% men, found that a sudden weight loss can result in low energy availability.

In addition to that, they were exposed to the risk of relative energy deficiency in sport. The effects? Poorer cardio & performance, reduced training response, reduced coordination, reduced concentration, and much more.

However, another 2022 study found that rapid weight loss of up to five percent of body mass in less than seven days does not affect physical performance. These studies are proper proof that Jordan Sullivan and Jack Doherty's assessment is correct.

Do you agree?

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Written by

Suryakant Das

Edited by

Joyita Das