Cal deficit when injured in camp?

[Butt stuff]

When fighters say they’re injured and couldn’t train so making weight was too hard and became the sole focus of camp - why don’t they just go on a high protein calorie deficit diet whilst injured?

They don’t need the extra energy to train whilst they’re injured so can eat less cals. But maybe this would slow injury recovery and/or would prohibit them being able to get in all the nutrients they need?

Liam Smith looked pudgy last night against Eubank and used this excuse, I feel like at the top level you could have a nutritionist to help you pivot your diet and avoid that happening.

[N/A]

Probably because many of them are way above the weight they fight and they rely on dehydration only to pass the weigh-in. But sometimes they fail by a little.

[Butt stuff]

Probably because many of them are way above the weight they fight and they rely on dehydration only to pass the weigh-in. But sometimes they fail by a little.

If theyre just relying on losing water weight instead of fat % too, then cant they just sit in a hot bath or sauna for a while? The injury doesnt stop them from being able to dehydrate.

I think water % on its own is easier to control than body fat %.

[N/A]

If theyre just relying on losing water weight instead of fat % too, then cant they just sit in a hot bath or sauna for a while? The injury doesnt stop them from being able to dehydrate.

I think water % on its own is easier to control than body fat %.

I can't tell for sure what is the most common practice. It is also weird if they gain too much body fat because they're however professional athletes and if they compete at a lower weight, they know this could be a problem. Even an injury and a period of no training can go fine for your weight (fat percentage including) under a proper diet, one that is not even too special.

But yes, the water percentage is something that can be lost quickly in big, even excessive amounts (either the case, it's harmful for the body), as I said - just for the weigh-in, while the body fat requires time.

[Butt stuff]

I can't tell for sure what is the most common practice. It is also weird if they gain too much body fat because they're however professional athletes and if they compete at a lower weight, they know this could be a problem. Even an injury and a period of no training can go fine for your weight (fat percentage including) under a proper diet, one that is not even too special.

But yes, the water percentage is something that can be lost quickly in big, even excessive amounts (either the case, it's harmful for the body), as I said - just for the weigh-in, while the body fat requires time.

He has now come out and said that he was 3 stone overweight -

Smith only has himself to blame for eating like crazy whilst injured. It’s calories in < calories out. And if you’re not burning calories in training then reduce your intake. Shocking that he did this for a high stakes PPV fight.

[OctoberRed]

If theyre just relying on losing water weight instead of fat % too, then cant they just sit in a hot bath or sauna for a while? The injury doesnt stop them from being able to dehydrate.

I think water % on its own is easier to control than body fat %.

Some of these guys are walking around at 180-200 and cutting down to 154-160

[Butt stuff]

Some of these guys are walking around at 180-200 and cutting down to 154-160

What do you think of how ONE test the hydration levels of fighters? Good way of stopping dangerous cuts. MMA guys seem to cut so much more than boxers IDK how they do it.

Also, it blows my mind that I walk around 168lb, pretty lean and not overly muscled at 5”8 and then there was Gilberto Ramirez weighing in the day before fight night at 168 too. That guys a giant.

[N/A]

He has now come out and said that he was 3 stone overweight -

Smith only has himself to blame for eating like crazy whilst injured. It’s calories in < calories out. And if you’re not burning calories in training then reduce your intake. Shocking that he did this for a high stakes PPV fight.

That is a lack of professionalism, a total negligence.

[OctoberRed]

What do you think of how ONE test the hydration levels of fighters? Good way of stopping dangerous cuts. MMA guys seem to cut so much more than boxers IDK how they do it.

Also, it blows my mind that I walk around 168lb, pretty lean and not overly muscled at 5”8 and then there was Gilberto Ramirez weighing in the day before fight night at 168 too. That guys a giant.

Or how Paul Williams would make 147

[Omegamanic]

When fighters say they’re injured and couldn’t train so making weight was too hard and became the sole focus of camp - why don’t they just go on a high protein calorie deficit diet whilst injured?

They don’t need the extra energy to train whilst they’re injured so can eat less cals . But maybe this would slow injury recovery and/or would prohibit them being able to get in all the nutrients they need?

Liam Smith looked pudgy last night against Eubank and used this excuse, I feel like at the top level you could have a nutritionist to help you pivot your diet and avoid that happening.

Fighters often face a complex set of considerations when it comes to managing their diets while injured and preparing for a fight. Here are some reasons why they might not simply adopt a high-protein calorie deficit diet:

1. Nutrient Requirements: Injuries often require the body to repair tissues and heal, which demands a sufficient intake of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. A strict calorie deficit diet could potentially limit the availability of these essential nutrients, which might slow down the recovery process.
2. Maintaining Muscle Mass: Fighters need to maintain their muscle mass while injured to be competitive. Severely restricting calorie intake could lead to muscle loss, which is detrimental to their performance. Protein alone may not be sufficient to preserve muscle mass if overall calorie intake is too low.
3. Energy Levels: Even when not training at full intensity, fighters need a certain amount of energy to support their daily activities and maintain their metabolic functions. A very low-calorie diet could lead to fatigue, mood swings, and a decrease in overall well-being.
4. Injury Recovery: Caloric restriction may slow down the body's natural healing process. Adequate nutrition helps with inflammation control, immune system function, and the repair of damaged tissues. A fighter's priority is often to recover as quickly as possible to return to training and fighting shape.
5. Long-Term Health: Extreme diets, even for a short period, can have negative consequences for long-term health. Maintaining a healthy weight through balanced nutrition is important for overall well-being, and fighters are no exception.
6. Individual Variability: Fighters have different body types, metabolisms, and nutritional needs. What works for one fighter may not work for another. Having a nutritionist is indeed valuable, but finding the right balance is a personalized process.

While it may seem like a straightforward solution to reduce calorie intake while injured, the complexity of the human body and the unique demands of a fighter's lifestyle make nutrition during injury rehabilitation a nuanced challenge. Fighters and their teams often consult with sports nutritionists and medical professionals to create tailored diet plans that optimize recovery, maintain performance, and prevent excessive weight gain. Ultimately, a well-balanced diet that supports recovery and overall health is crucial for a fighter's long-term success.