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Obesity: associations with acute mountain sickness.
Ge Ri-Li1, Paul J Chase, Sarah Witkowski
1Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas, Texas 75231, USA.
Annals of Internal Medicine
|September 11, 2003
Summary
Obesity is linked to a higher risk of developing acute mountain sickness (AMS). Obese individuals experienced more severe AMS symptoms and lower oxygen saturation during simulated high-altitude exposure.
Area of Science:
- Altitude Medicine
- Physiology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Retrospective studies suggest a link between obesity and acute mountain sickness (AMS).
- Prospective studies investigating this association are lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively determine if obesity is associated with the development of AMS.
- To compare AMS development in obese versus nonobese individuals at high altitude.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study comparing obese and nonobese men at simulated altitude (3658 m).
- Measurements included body fat percentage, Lake Louise AMS scores, and oxygen saturation (Sao2).
- Participants were monitored for 24 hours in a hypobaric chamber.
Main Results:
- Obese men showed a more rapid increase in AMS scores over time compared to nonobese men (P < 0.001).
- Significant differences in Sao2 response to altitude exposure were observed between groups.
- After 24 hours, 78% of obese men and 40% of nonobese men met criteria for AMS.
Conclusions:
- Obesity appears to be associated with an increased risk of developing AMS.
- Greater nocturnal desaturation during altitude exposure may contribute to AMS in obese individuals.
Keywords:
Non-programmatic
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