Rapid weight cutting in combat sports is linked to altered immune function
A review describes changes in immune cells, stress signaling and protective antibodies during rapid weight loss. The abstract gives limited information about measured illness outcomes.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
The review describes rapid weight loss in combat sports alongside reduced activity in several immune defenses and increased inflammatory signaling. These findings raise concerns about immune function during weight cutting. However, the abstract does not quantify infection frequency, so the reported laboratory changes cannot establish an individual athlete's chance of becoming ill.
The abstract does not give the number of included studies, participant totals, control conditions or pooled effect estimates. This limits assessment of how consistent the findings were and how directly they relate to illness.
Cell counts and function
The review reports that neutrophil counts rose while their ability to engulf targets and mount an oxidative response declined. It also describes reduced lymphocyte proliferation and weaker activity in other immune cells, highlighting differences between cell numbers and function.
The link to infections
Higher cortisol and lower levels of a protective mucosal antibody were among the reported changes. The authors connect weakened mucosal immunity with respiratory infection risk, but the abstract does not separate observed infections from proposed biological explanations.
The original publication
Effects of Rapid Weight Loss on the Immune System in Combat Sports Athletes: A Systematic Review.
Lee HS
Int J Mol Sci · 2026
- PubMed ID
- 41516380
- Record checked
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