Introduction: Weight loss is a common issue among athletes, especially wrestlers. It is important that the various methods of weight loss be studied relative to the effect on athletic performance as well as the athletes’ immune systems. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of rapid and gradual weight loss methods on white blood cells in trained wrestlers. Materials and Methods: 22 trained wrestlers (age 20-25years) volunteered to participate in the present research and were randomly assigned into one of two groups: Group 1 used rapid weight loss in a 48 h period, and Group 2 used gradual weight loss over a 12 day period. All subjects were asked to reduce 4 percent of their weight. Before and after weight loss intervention, blood sampling was erformed, as well as the physical performance tests (simulated wrestling competition). Results: White blood cells increased significantly in both groups (p<0.05). The amount of this increase was out of normal range in the rapid group, but remained within the normal range in the gradual group. Neutrophils increased significantly while lymphocytes decreased significantly in the rapid group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Comparing these two weight loss protocols showed that the rapid weight loss method had more deleterious effects on the immune systems of wrestlers than a gradual weight loss plan.

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