Weight control and heat disorders in youth sports

Abstract

Controlling and modifying body weight is the most common nutritional concern encountered in young athletes. Many are interested in limiting fatness to provide a maximum amount of muscle strength, endurance, and quickness for each pound of body weight taken into competition. These athletes are those participating either in weight-matched competitions (e.g., wrestling) or in sports demanding a high level of body strength in relation to body weight (e.g., men's gymnastics). More commonly, particularly among male adolescents, there is a desire to increase body weight to increase potential for participating in certain sports. All of these athletes become vulnerable to various diet schemes that are ineffective, may compromise athletic training and performance, and can be frankly dangerous. The health professional will be of great assistance in providing for these athletes' clearly defined goals, proper training advice, and sound dietary practices. Also of concern are cramps, exhaustion, and stroke—so-called heat disorders that result from varying degrees of fluid deprivation with compromised circulatory efficiency. The exercised muscle, with inadequate circulation, cramps. Acute sudden loss of plasma volume and inadequate circulation to the central nervous system causes heat exhaustion. Severe reduction in circulatory effectiveness limits the ability of the exercising athlete to transport and dissipate body heat, thus increasing the threat of heat stroke. Monitoring water needs, scheduling intakes of cool, clean water regularly during workouts and competition, and being alert to adverse environmental conditions prevent these catastrophies. Electrolyte replacement for the sweating athlete is abundantly provided by the minerals in the generous, mixed diet of the athlete.