Which sport has athletes who tend to be nutritionally compromised as a result of the need to strive for a lean body?

Athletes in wrestling and gymnastics often face unique pressures to achieve a lean physique for performance and aesthetic reasons. This drive to maintain a low body weight can lead to nutritionally compromised states due to restrictive eating practices intended to enhance performance or meet weight categories.

In wrestling, for instance, athletes may need to stay within specific weight classes, leading them to engage in unhealthy weight-cutting strategies, such as calorie restriction or dehydration. Similarly, gymnasts often emphasize body aesthetics and may restrict calories to maintain a slender appearance, resulting in potential nutrient deficiencies.

These behaviors can negatively impact their physical health, including energy levels, strength, and overall athletic performance. The nutritional compromises associated with these sports set them apart from others that may not emphasize the same level of body composition control.