Wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the Olympics for being 100 grams overweight in her 50 kg category ahead of the final match came as a shock to Indian fans, who were confident of her securing a medal. Following this “disappointment,” as Indian Olympic Committee head PT Usha described it, Vinesh announced her retirement from the sport. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala explained that Vinesh was 100 grams over her weight limit. “Wrestlers often compete in lower weight classes to gain a competitive edge. The weight-cutting process involves strict food and water restrictions, along with intense sweating, which can lead to weakness and energy depletion. Vinesh’s nutritionist had planned for a 1.5 kg cut, but rebound weight gain can occur after the competition,” he said in a press statement.

Let’s delve into the concept of rebound weight and why it plays a crucial role.

Rebound weight gain simply refers to the regaining of weight that was previously lost through strict dieting and exercise.

Weight loss often requires carbohydrate restriction and a combination of aerobic exercises and strength training. “If these are sustained over the long term, rebound weight gain does not typically occur. However, many people, especially athletes on severe calorie restriction and intense exercise regimens, find it challenging to maintain these routines long-term,” explained Dr. Sudhir Kumar, a neurologist at Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad.

In many cases, once the desired goal is achieved, individuals may ease up on their diet and exercise. “For athletes, once the competition is over, they might relax their regimen,” said Dr. Kumar. Additionally, experts point out that female biology is complex, and factors like water retention can also contribute to rebound weight.

The weight-cutting process involves not only strict food and water restrictions but also intense sweating (Source: Freepik). The metabolic rate also slows down during calorie restriction to conserve energy.

“When a person begins eating more, the metabolic rate may not increase proportionally, leading to weight gain. Furthermore, levels of ghrelin, a hormone that promotes hunger, tend to increase after weight loss due to diet and exercise, potentially causing rebound weight gain. Ghrelin can influence hunger, fat storage, and energy management,” Dr. Kumar added.