http://journals.lww.com/acsm-msse/Fulltext/1996/10000/ACSM_Position_Stand__Weight_Loss_in_Wrestlers.49.aspx

This is a really good source of info from ACSM (source often used by UK dietitians) which has studied eating habits of wrestlers. Granted, this isn't the sport of wrestling but there's still a lot of valid info when it comes to cutting weight, especially...

"The combination of food restriction and fluid deprivation creates a synergistic, adverse physiologic effect on the body leaving the wrestler ill-prepared to compete.
In addition, most forms of dehydration, e.g., sweating and catharsis, contribute to the loss of electrolytes as well as water (5,9). Wrestlers hope to replenish body fluids, electrolytes, and glycogen in the brief period (30 min-20 h) between the weigh-in and competition.

However, re-establishing fluid homeostasis may take 24-48 h (10); replenishing muscle glycogen may take as long as 72 h (11,25)!!!, and replacing lean tissue might take even longer. In short, weight cutting appears to adversely influence the wrestler's energy reserves and fluid and electrolyte balances"

"Males 16 yr and younger with a body fat below 7% or those over 16 yr with a body fat below 5% need medical clearance before being allowed to compete. Female wrestlers need a minimal body fat of 12%-14% (33)."

Although this was written in 1996, it still has some KEY info for anyone wanting to cut weight and the possible chronic consequences of using 'traditional' techniques.