Vinesh Phogat reportedly worked out overnight to lose weight. This brought attention to the concept of rapid weight loss. The expert reveals the science and truth behind shedding kilos overnight.
Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the 2024 Paris Olympics is a loss that feels personal. She is one of the most resilient wrestlers both on and off the mat. Amid the row over the Indian wrestler being about 100 grams overweight, several reports claimed that Phogat was training overnight to lose weight. Weight loss is a subjective process that is different for different people. It is usually customized as per the bodily requirements of each individual. Similarly, the weight loss process will always be different for a professional athlete and a layman.
Amidst the news about Vinesh Phogat’s overnight weight loss, several questions have arisen regarding the rapid weight loss technique. Is it really a healthy and sustainable way to go about it? How much can you really lose in an overnight and in just a few hours? India.com got in touch with a fitness expert who shed light on the truth behind rapid weight loss and its sustainability.
Vinesh Phogat underwent a weight loss routine the night before the match. (PTI)
How much weight can you lose overnight?
In an exclusive interview with India.com, celebrity fitness trainer Miten Kakaiya, founder of Miten Says Fitness (MSF), revealed that “Overnight, a person can lose 1-3 pounds, mostly from water loss through breathing and perspiration. This is temporary and not an indicator of true fat loss. Olympic athletes, like wrestlers, can use these short-term weight management tactics for competition needs, but these methods are not suitable or healthy for the general population looking for sustainable health improvements.”
How sustainable is rapid weight loss?
“Rapid weight loss is often not sustainable or healthy, as it often involves losing water and muscle, not fat. In sports such as wrestling or boxing, athletes may need to reach specific weight classes quickly, which is practical in their context but not advisable for the general public. For most people, a gradual weight loss of about 1 or 2 pounds per week, targeting fat through diet and exercise, is the healthiest approach,” Miten added.
Rapid weight loss may be tempting, but it is not the route to a sustainable life. She adds: “While rapid weight loss is possible, it is not usually suitable for long-term health goals. Athletes in sports such as wrestling may need to lose weight quickly to qualify for their weight classes through methods such as reducing carbohydrate and water intake, sweating during intense exercise, or using a sauna. However, these strategies are not recommended for those who do not compete at a professional level. Instead, gradual and consistent lifestyle changes are more effective and safer for the general population.”
While rapid and fast weight loss is not sustainable or recommended by professionals, things are very different for athletes. In Phogat’s case, all measures were taken under the supervision of professionals and under medical supervision.
Earlier in the day, the world woke up to the announcement of wrestling champion Vinesh Phogat’s retirement. But recent developments indicate that there might still be hope for Phogat to claim a silver medal.
Whatever the fate, India is and will remain proud of one of India’s finest female wrestlers – Vinesh Phogat!
