Annotated Reading List

The following six papers form the evidence base for this course. Each is available as a PDF download. They are not required reading to pass the assessments, but engaging with them will strengthen your understanding and your assessed submissions.

Reale et al. 2017a

Acute Weight Loss Strategies for Combat Sports and Applications to Olympic Success. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 12(2), 142-151.

This is the foundational paper for the course. It provides the acute weight cutting framework and decision flow chart used throughout. The paper classifies each method by risk level and maps them to competition timelines, giving coaches a practical decision-making tool grounded in physiology.

Reale et al. 2017b

Individualised dietary strategies for Olympic combat sports: Acute weight loss, recovery and competition nutrition. European Journal of Sport Science, 17(6), 727-740.

This paper expands on the 2017a framework with guidance on individualisation. It covers how to tailor cutting strategies to athlete characteristics (sex, body composition, experience) and competition demands (recovery time, number of bouts). Directly relevant to the case study assignment.

Reale et al. 2018

The Effect of Water Loading on Acute Weight Loss Following Fluid Restriction in Combat Sports Athletes. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 28(6), 565-573.

The water loading study cited in the webinar. The researchers showed that 3-day water loading followed by 1-day fluid restriction produced an additional 0.8% body mass loss compared to fluid restriction alone, without impairment to isometric strength, countermovement jump, or repeated sprint ability.

Mathiesen et al. 2023

Best practice recommendations for body composition considerations in sport. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 57(17), 1148-1160.

An IOC subgroup consensus on body composition in sport, published as part of the Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) framework. This paper is relevant for understanding when weight management practices cross into disordered territory. Essential background for Module 1 (risk factors) and Module 4 (ethics).

Ricci et al. 2025

ISSN position stand: nutrition and weight cut strategies for mixed martial arts and other combat sports. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 22(1).

The most recent position stand on weight cutting in combat sports. It provides updated consensus recommendations that complement the Reale framework, including specific cautions about sodium restriction in athletes and guidance on monitoring for overheating during passive sweating protocols.

Sundgot-Borgen et al. 2013

How to minimise the health risks to athletes who compete in weight-sensitive sports. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 47(16), 1012-1022.

The IOC position statement on health risks in weight-sensitive sports. Covers the prevalence of disordered eating, the physiological consequences of repeated weight cycling, and the duty of care owed by coaches, federations, and medical staff. Essential reading for Module 1 (risk factors) and Module 4 (ethics).