Tag: High altitude

According to a 2022 study published in *Antioxidants*, high-altitude hypoxia increases the physiological requirement for iron, as the body ramps up red blood cell production. This makes adequate iron availability an essential factor for successful acclimatization, raising the question: do you need more iron at high altitude?

In a controlled study at 8,700 feet, obese men lost an average of two pounds in one week, primarily due to a decreased appetite. This and other research confirm that yes, high altitude does make you eat less, a phenomenon known as altitude anorexia.

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), the mildest form of altitude sickness, lists headache, nausea, and notably, loss of appetite as key symptoms, not increased hunger. The common misconception that high altitudes might increase your appetite is a significant point of confusion for many climbers and travelers heading to higher elevations.

According to a study published in the journal *Obesity*, participants who spent a week at 8,700 feet lost an average of two pounds without altering their diet or activity levels, suggesting a significant link between elevation and appetite reduction. This effect, often termed 'altitude anorexia,' is a well-documented phenomenon that many high-altitude travelers and climbers experience.

According to a Fraunhofer Institute study, the unique conditions on an airplane can reduce a person's sensitivity to sweet and salty flavors by up to 30%. This confirms that yes, altitude does mess with your taste buds, altering your perception of food and drink in surprising ways.

Studies have shown that intense exercise can suppress the hunger hormone ghrelin, which is a major physiological reason why many people are less hungry when backpacking. This phenomenon can be confusing and challenging for hikers who know they need to consume adequate calories for energy and recovery.

A study of trekkers in the Himalayas revealed that appetite decreases significantly with increasing altitude. This phenomenon can be attributed to several physiological changes that explain why am I less hungry at high altitude, a common and often concerning experience for travelers and climbers.

The human body loses water through respiration at high altitude roughly twice as fast as at sea level. The need to drink more water at altitude is essential for safe and enjoyable high-elevation experiences.

Studies show that as many as 25% of people experience symptoms of altitude sickness, including a significant loss of appetite, at elevations as low as 8,000 feet. So, is it harder to eat in high altitude? The short answer is a definitive yes, and the reasons are deeply rooted in how your body adapts to less oxygen.

Up to 40% of people traveling to high altitudes experience acute mountain sickness, making preventative measures a key concern for adventurers. A common query among hikers and climbers is whether supplementing with vitamin B12 helps with altitude sickness. While B12 is essential for health, the direct link to preventing this specific condition is not strongly supported by current scientific research.