Excess,unhealthy, weight cutting will give an advantage to someone,but not the one doing the cutting.Unhealthy ,is just that unhealthy.Lack of strength,quickness,fatigue,and mental focus all are results of unhealthy weight loss.I fail to see how that gives an advantage to anyone but the properly nutritionally prepared wrestler. Lack of strength, quickness,focus,and fatigue are also the results of being overweight. It is our job as parents to monitor the food intake of our children wrestlers or not.I feel we as a nation (wrestlers included)are doing much more harm by allowing our children to become overweight(borders on neglect,abuse IMO),than those who cut a few pounds.
I think for the first time in history,we as a country live where people from most any financial background have access to as much,of most whatever they choose to eat.I think that is good as I love to eat,but I shouldn't expect "little Billy" to compete with one who puts only top fuel in their bodies,(lean and mean) while "little Billy"(or not so little Billy "chubby Billy") enjoys Thanksgiving type feasts with pop, chips,cookies,pizza,and candy three or four times a week.If I choose not to run 10 mins. for weight,conditioning,or whatever I would think that would also put me at a disadvantage to the one who runs everyday for whatever reason.
I have observed many skinny wrestlers at the kids level, but probably more with breast and weight issues that very well may effect their health for years to come.I do know that unhealthy weight loss is practiced by the (uneducated,uninformed)but find it hard to believe they benefit from it.If they become bigger,stronger,quicker,more stamina,more focused than the rest in the bracket,it is obvious to me it was a healthy cut.
I couldn't disagree more with"All the crap and eating right and watch what you eat is for later on High school". Proper nutrition and eating habits are a parents responsibility and can't be started too soon. Habits are much easier to develop than to change.( Just my opinion no disrespect intended)
It is also medically confirmed that childhood obesity is at near epidemic levels with MANY health consequences now and later in life.