Weightlifting and powerlifting are strength and power sports requiring athletes to participate in precompetition weigh-ins. Many athletes attempt to gain a competitive edge over smaller competitors by reducing body mass. Although these methods may seem advantageous, there are many negative outcomes that outweigh potential positive performance effects. Manipulating body mass can be performed effectively with minimal side effects; however, weightlifters and powerlifters participating in 2-hour weigh-ins should not cut weight at the expense of optimizing strength and power adaptations.

RESULTS: Age and BMI were comparable between two groups (all p>0.05). Those who gained weight reported increased time spent in sitting (2.5 ± 0.7 vs. 2.1 ± 0.5; p=0.002), an increase in food intake (2.4 ± 0.8 vs. 1.9 ± 0.5; p=0.006) and a trend to decrease time spent in physical activity (1.6 ± 0.8 vs. 1.9 ± 0.5; p=0.07). Those who gained weight also had lower life satisfaction (25.9 ± 5.6 vs. 29.3 ± 3.2; p=0.006), greater level of depression (4.2 ± 3.6 vs. 2.3 ± 2.6; p=0.02) and tended to have more anxiety (11.4 ± 5.1 vs. 9.3 ± 3.5; p=0.06). CONCLUSION: Older adults who gained body weight during COVID-19 pandemic had greater level of depression and lower satisfaction with life. Mental health may play an important role in one's ability to maintain body weight, particularly during times that may increase level of distress. Future investigation may focus on understanding the direct link between mental health and healthy behaviors to prevent weight gain in older adults in subsidized housing.