CSSD Weight Management 2

Question 1

An athlete wants to cut weight for competition. Which method is MOST evidence-based for preserving lean mass during a caloric deficit?

Accepted Answer

Slow deficit of 300–500 kcal/day with high protein intake (~1.8–2.4 g/kg)

Answer

A modest caloric deficit combined with high protein intake best preserves lean mass during weight loss in athletes.

Question 2

A wrestler needs to lose 3 kg in 5 days before weigh-in. The CSSD should PRIMARILY counsel against this practice because:

Accepted Answer

Rapid weight cutting impairs strength, endurance, and cognitive performance

Answer

Rapid weight cutting causes measurable decrements in strength, aerobic capacity, and decision-making ability that persist through competition.

Question 3

Which hormonal adaptation is MOST associated with prolonged negative energy balance in female athletes?

Accepted Answer

Suppressed luteinizing hormone (LH) pulsatility

Answer

Chronic low energy availability suppresses LH pulsatility, disrupting the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis and menstrual function.

Question 4

When calculating an athlete's target weight for a lower weight class, which approach is MOST appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Determine minimum competition weight based on minimum body fat thresholds and fat-free mass

Answer

Minimum competition weight is calculated using current fat-free mass and established minimum body fat thresholds to avoid unsafe weight cutting.

Question 5

A male endurance athlete in a 600 kcal/day deficit reports declining training quality. The FIRST nutrition intervention should be:

Accepted Answer

Increase carbohydrate availability around training sessions while maintaining overall deficit

Answer

Strategically timing higher carbohydrate intake around training sessions can maintain performance even within an overall caloric deficit.

(CSSD) Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics Practice Test