Weightlifting is a dynamic strength and power discipline, in which two different whole-body lifts (snatch and clean & jerk) are performed sequentially. To assess the relationship between body weight and total weight lifted by professional weightlifters, we retrieved data about results of the 2013 World Weightlifting Championships for all male and female weight categories. A highly significant correlation was found between total weight lifted and weight category in both females (r = 0.996; p < 0.0001) and males (r = 0.982; p < 0.0001). The total weight lifted could be predicted by the equations "[total weight lifted] = 2.73 × [body weight] + 172" in males, and "[total weight lifted] = 3.29 × [body weight] + 36" in females, respectively. The mean ratio between total weight lifted by males and females of corresponding body weights was 1.34 (95% CI, 1.24-1.44; range 1.19-1.54). The results of this analysis demonstrate that a highly significant linear relationship exists between total weight lifted and body weight of top-class weightlifters. Male athletes also displayed a mean 34% greater power than women. The equation developed from official data may represent a reliable basis for identifying suspect performance.
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