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A long-duration (118-day) backpacking trip (2669 km) normalizes lipids without medication: a case study
Dale Devoe1, Richard Gay Israel, Tiffany Lipsey
1College of Applied Human Sciences, 214 L.L. Gibbons Building, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1501, USA. devoe@cahs.colostate.edu
Wilderness & Environmental Medicine
|December 25, 2009
Summary
An 118-day Appalachian Trail backpacking trip significantly reduced body weight, body fat, and normalized blood lipids and lipoproteins. This adventure demonstrated substantial health improvements without medication.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Nutritional Science
- Cardiovascular Health
Background:
- Long-distance backpacking represents a significant physical challenge.
- Assessing the impact of such expeditions on physiological markers is crucial for understanding health benefits.
Observation:
- A single-subject study tracked an experienced male backpacker (49 years) over 118 days on the Appalachian Trail.
- Measurements included body composition, weight, BMI, blood pressure, dietary intake, and blood lipids/lipoproteins before and after the hike.
Findings:
- The hiker experienced significant reductions in body weight (-13.4%), body fat (-43.2% by hydrostatic weighing, -51.2% by skinfolds), and BMI (-13.3%).
- Blood lipid profiles dramatically improved: triglycerides (-75%), total cholesterol (-29%), and LDL cholesterol (-29%) decreased, while HDL cholesterol increased (+37%).
- Ratios of LDL/HDL and total cholesterol/HDL also significantly decreased, indicating improved cardiovascular risk factors.
Implications:
- Extended backpacking trips can lead to substantial improvements in body composition and weight management.
- The physical activity and diet inherent in such trips can normalize blood lipids and lipoproteins, offering a non-pharmacological approach to cardiovascular health.
- These findings highlight the potential of immersive, long-duration physical activities for significant health transformation.
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