Vinesh Phogat did an overnight workout to lose weight. This brought attention to the concept of rapid weight loss. The science and truth behind losing kilos overnight, experts say.

Vinesh Phogat's disqualification from Paris Olympics 2024 is a personal loss. She is one of the most versatile athletes both on and off the mat. As the Indian wrestler is approximately 100 grams overweight, several reports claimed that Phogat was working out overnight to lose weight. Weight loss is a subjective journey that is different for different people. It is usually customized according to the needs of the individual's body. Similarly, the weight loss process is always different for a professional athlete and a normal person.

Amid the news of Vinesh Phogat's overnight weight loss, many questions were raised about the rapid weight loss technique. Is this really a healthy and sustainable way? How much can a person really lose in one night and in just a few hours? India.com caught up with a fitness expert who sheds light on the truth behind rapid weight loss and its sustainability.

Vinesh Phogat followed an overnight weight loss regimen before the match. (PTI)

How much weight can you lose overnight?

Speaking exclusively to India.com, renowned fitness trainer, Miten Kakaiya, founder of Miten Sage Fitness (MSF), revealed, “Overnight, a person can lose up to 1-3 pounds, mainly due to water loss through breathing and sweating. This is temporary and not indicative of true fat loss. Olympic athletes, like wrestlers, may use such short-term weight management tactics for competition requirements, but these methods are neither appropriate nor healthy for the general public seeking sustainable health improvements.”

How sustainable is rapid weight loss?

“Rapid weight loss is usually not sustainable or healthy, as it often involves losing water and muscle, not fat. In sports such as wrestling or boxing, athletes may need to reach a certain weight range quickly, which is practical in their context but advice for the general public. “For most people, focusing on fat loss through diet and exercise, about 1-2 pounds per week, is the healthiest approach,” Mitten added.

Rapid weight loss may be tempting, however, it is not the way to sustain it. Adding further, “Although rapid weight loss is possible, it is often not appropriate for long-term health goals. Athletes in sports such as wrestling may need to lose weight quickly to qualify for their weight class using methods such as cutting carb intake, water intake, sweating through intense exercise, or using saunas. However, these strategies are not recommended for those who do not compete at the professional level. Instead, gradual and consistent lifestyle changes are more effective and safer for the general public.

While quick or rapid weight loss is neither sustainable nor recommended by professionals, things are very different for athletes. In Phogat's case, all measures were taken under professional supervision and medical vigilance.

Earlier in the day, the world woke up when wrestling champion Vinesh Phogat announced his retirement. But recent developments suggest that Phogat is still hopeful of a silver medal.

Whatever the fate, India is and will always be proud of India's best female wrestler – Vinesh Phogat!