Why are diuretics sometimes used by athletes in sports?

Diuretics are sometimes used by athletes primarily to mask the use of other substances. These drugs promote the excretion of water and electrolytes from the body, leading to a reduction in body weight and altering blood concentration. This can make it more challenging to detect banned substances during drug testing, as the presence of other performance-enhancing drugs can be diluted in the urine. This strategy is particularly relevant in sports where weight classes are important, or where athletes are subject to stringent drug testing protocols. Therefore, the primary purpose of using diuretics in this context is not to enhance performance directly but to avoid detection of other prohibited substances, making this choice the most accurate response.