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Health and Performance Goals Trump Body Weight for Endurance Athletes

While some endurance sports, such as distance running or cycling, may benefit from a higher power-to-weight ratio, there is no single “ideal” body weight or body fat percentage for all endurance athletes.

While endurance athletes typically have lower body fat percentages and higher muscle mass compared to the general population, their body weight may fluctuate throughout their training cycles depending on their training goals and competition schedules. In some cases, endurance athletes may intentionally lose weight to improve their performance, such as in sports that require a high power-to-weight ratio, like cycling or distance running.

However, focusing too much on achieving a certain weight or body composition can be detrimental to an athlete’s health and performance. Especially if weight loss is done through unhealthy methods like crash dieting or excessive calorie restriction. Endurance athletes who do not consume enough calories to support their training and competition needs may experience fatigue, decreased immune function, and increased risk of injury.

Rather than focusing solely on weight or body composition, endurance athletes should prioritize overall health and performance goals. This may involve working with a coach to develop a personalized nutrition and training plan that supports both weight management and overall health and performance goals.

Additionally, endurance athletes should be aware of the signs of unhealthy weight loss practices, such as rapid weight loss, excessive calorie restriction, and obsessive focus on weight or body composition. They seek support from a qualified professional if necessary.

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