Obese at greater risk of suffering altitude sickness: report

People who are obese should take extra precautions if they are travelling to a high-altitude destination, according to researchers in the US.

In a study conducted by the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas and the Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, researchers report that obesity may be associated with the development of acute mountain sickness (AMS), which is often caused by rapid ascent to altitudes of 2,500 meters (or 8,250 feet) above sea level. Symptoms include headache, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, light-headedness and sleep disorders.

The researchers’ findings, reported in today’s issue of 'Annals of Internal Medicine', also suggest that impaired breathing during sleep may be related to increased levels of AMS in obese individuals.

“Based on the results from our study, obesity may be an important factor in the development of acute mountain sickness,” said Dr Tony Babb, assistant professor of internal medicine at UT Southwestern and the study’s senior author.

“We recommend that when travelling to high altitudes obese individuals, even those without a history of AMS, take precautions to ensure a slow, gradual ascent,” Dr. Babb said.

The study included nine obese men and 10 non-obese men who spent 24 hours in a decompression chamber. The barometric pressure was held steady at the equivalent to an altitude of 3,658 meters, or about 12,000 feet. Study participants completed an AMS self-report questionnaire that measured symptoms associated with altitude sickness at sea level and during decompression. Symptoms were measured at six hours, 12 hours and 24 hours.

Seven obese individuals developed AMS after the 24-hour exposure, and of the non-obese study participants, four reported significant AMS symptoms.

Acute mountain sickness usually occurs in individuals exposed to an altitude exceeding 2,500 meters who have not acclimated themselves to the altitude before engaging in physical activities.

(gmcg)