Vinesh Phogat, reportedly, worked out overnight to lose weight. This drew attention to the concept of rapid weight loss. Expert reveals the science and truth behind losing kilos overnight.
Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024 is loss that feels personal. She is one of the most resilient player both on and off the mat. Amid the wrestling row of the Indian wrestler being overweight by roughly 100 grams, several reports claimed how Phogat was working out overnight to lose weight. Weight loss is a subjective journey that is different for different people. It is usually customised as per the individual’s body requirements. Similar, weight loss process will always be different for a professional athlete and for a layperson.
Amid Vinesh Phogat’s overnight weight loss news, several questions loomed large about rapid weight loss technique. Is it really a healthy and sustainable way to go about? How much can one really lose over a night and merely few hours? India.com got in touch with fitness expert who shed light on the truth behind rapid weight loss and its sustainability.
Vinesh Phogat underwent weight loss routine overnight before the match. (PTI)
How Much Weight Can You Lose Over Night?
Speaking exclusively with India.com, celebrated fitness coach, Miten Kakaiya, founder of Miten Says Fitness (MSF) revealed that, “Overnight, a person can lose between 1-3 pounds, mostly from water loss through breathing and sweating. This is temporary and not an indicator of true fat loss. Olympic athletes, like wrestlers, might use such short-term weight management tactics for competition requirements, but these methods are not suitable or healthy for the general population looking for sustainable health improvements.”
How Sustainable is Rapid Weight Loss?
“Quick weight loss is typically neither sustainable nor healthy, as it often involves losing water and muscle, not fat. In sports like wrestling or boxing, athletes might need to meet specific weight categories quickly, which is practical in their context but not advisable for the general public. For most people, a gradual weight loss of about 1-2 pounds per week, focusing on fat through diet and exercise, is the healthiest approach,” Miten added.
Rapid weight loss can be tempting, however, it is not the route to sustainability. Adding on, “While rapid weight loss is possible, it’s usually not suitable for long-term health goals. Athletes in sports such as wrestling may need to quickly drop weight to qualify for their weight classes using methods like reducing carb intake, water intake, sweating through intense exercise or using the saunas. However, these strategies are not recommended for those not competing at professional levels. Instead, gradual and consistent lifestyle changes are more effective and safer for the general population.”
While rapid or quick weight loss is not sustainable or recommended by professional, things are very different for athletes. In case of Phogat, all the measures were taken under supervision of professionals and medical vigilance as well.
Earlier in the day, the world woke woke up to the wrestling champion, Vinesh Phogat, announcing her retirement. But recent developments indicate that there could still be hope for getting the silver medal for Phogat.
Whatever be the fate, India is and will remain proud of the one of the best women wrestlers of India -Vinesh Phogat!