Tag: Calorie needs at altitude

A study on simulated Everest ascents found climbers had a significant involuntary weight loss of up to 5 kg, despite ample food. So, do you need to eat more at higher altitude? The answer is nuanced, involving altered metabolism, reduced appetite, and increased energy expenditure.

Studies show that your body's energy expenditure can increase significantly at high altitudes, sometimes requiring thousands of extra calories per day. Given this increased metabolic demand, the question naturally arises: should I eat more at altitude? The answer is a definitive yes, though the reality is often complicated by a simultaneous decrease in appetite and other physical challenges.