Anthropometric and body composition changes during expeditions at high altitude

Area of Science:

• Human physiology
• Altitude medicine
• Anthropometry

Background:

• High altitude environments present unique physiological challenges.
• Understanding sex-specific adaptations to high altitude is crucial for mountaineering and acclimatization strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate sex-specific physical adaptations to high altitude exposure.
• To analyze changes in body composition and mass in males and females at high altitude.

Main Methods:

• 18 nonacclimatized Caucasian subjects (10 males, 8 females) were studied.
• Anthropometric measurements (body mass, skinfolds) were taken at sea level, high altitude (>4000m), and return.
• Body composition was assessed using the skinfold method.

Main Results:

• Both sexes experienced an average 4.0% body mass loss.
• Males lost 7.6% fat mass and 3.5% fat-free mass; females lost 5.0% fat mass and 3.6% fat-free mass.
• Males showed greater average fat mass loss and faster adaptations than females.

Conclusions:

• High altitude exposure leads to significant body weight reduction in both sexes.
• Adaptations in body composition differ between males and females at high altitude.
• Physical activity levels did not significantly influence body weight reduction at high altitude.