Cutting it Close
If it’s to get in shape for summer or make a weight class, PRHS students are constantly working towards their goals
"Cutting" is a term commonly used to describe a two to four month long period that primarily focuses on the loss of body fat while retaining as much muscle mass as possible, according to a Healthline article.
But when the process is rushed, it could increase or cause new health problems, according to Dr. Kuldeep Singh in an article titled, Why You Shouldn’t Rush Weight Loss.
In the same survey, 24% of students cut their body weight. Other than cutting for the summer, a few other reasons for cutting bodyweight were to lower body fat percentage, make a lower weight class for wrestling or boxing, and to improve athletic ability.
If done in a healthy way, their goals are attainable through healthy and lean food choices, muscle maintenance, and a calorie deficit diet.
When football player and wrestler, Brandon England, decides to cut weight, he makes sure to do prior research.
“I do think cutting weight is healthy for the human body. You just have to understand what you're doing because if you cut or bulk, you might end up doing it wrong and you won’t reach your intended goal. You actually have to do research before you do it, and that’s what I typically do,” England said.
For example, if you were to lose weight too quickly, your calorie burning process starts to slow down: a quick, non-regular weight loss could throw your metabolism into a survival mode. Moreover, when you switch between a strict diet and then back to your regular diet, the weight you lost during the strict regimen quickly reappears once you return to your usual nutrition, according to Cleveland Clinic.
“Diet wise, I cut out all junk food like candy, sweets, sodas. I stick to foods like rice, vegetables, and chicken but eggs are my number one dish,” England said.
Alex Eubank, Jesse James West, and Jeff Nippard are three influencers I Follow who've shown me what to take, what to do, and how to prepare for all my meals.
However, for sophomore Jaxen Bayer, when he’s tried to cut weight in the past, his metabolism prevented him from being successful.
“When I tried to cut, my body stayed the same weight. I’m not sure if it was my eating habits or just my metabolism affecting me,” Bayer explained.
Those who have a fast metabolism are able to burn more calories at rest and during activities like lifting weights, running, swimming, etc. Having a higher metabolism means it will take more calories to maintain weight; however, having a slower metabolism burns fewer calories while at rest or working out. To maintain weight, those with slow metabolisms intake less calories, according to an article on Harvard Health reviewed by Dr. Howard E. LeWine.
One way to think about metabolism is to view your body as a car engine that is always running. When you're sitting still or sleeping, your engine is idling like a car at a stop light.
During football season in the fall, instead of cutting weight, Bayer decided to bulk to fulfill his role as a lineman on the field.
“During football, they want you to lift heavier and be able to be stronger in the weight room. So, to do that, you need to bulk. When you bulk, it puts more fat in and that fat between the energy, you can use for muscle,” Bayer described.
A couple motivators to cut weight could be to make a lower weight class in sports, or if you're out in public and you want to look super fit.
When it comes to bulking, it is drastically different from cutting. Instead of having the goal to lose weight, bulking focuses on gaining weight and turning the extra weight into muscle. It is the act of taking more calories than your body usually needs and it is often a four to six month long period, according to Healthline.
“I'm actually bulking right now and I think it is definitely easier than cutting because you just eat whatever. But I'm gonna do that and then I’m going to start cutting again,” England revealed.
England decided to cut weight in Nov. and was able to go from 165 lbs to 158 lbs. Doing this, he saw an improvement in his athleticism.
“It was really good because it kept me in shape and I noticed my stamina had increased. Overall, I felt healthier,” England said.
When I cut, I notice I sleep more because I get tired easier. I'm an active person so when I cut, I have less energy. I'd be in bed by 10 or nine.
From the Feb. survey, 62% of students think cutting body weight it healthy. Moreover, common follow-up responses among the students were, “Depends on how you do it,” or “Yes, if done properly.”
To reach a goal like losing any amount of body weight, or even gaining weight, if done in an unhealthy and rushed process, has the chance to backfire on your health; but there are ways to cut and bulk in a safe manner that are both effective and healthy.
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