Tag: Mountaineering

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.

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.

An estimated 150 million people visit high-altitude locations globally every year, many unaware that the thinner, drier air significantly increases their risk of dehydration. So, does higher elevation make you dehydrated? The short answer is yes, due to a combination of physiological responses and environmental factors that accelerate fluid loss.

At 10,000 feet, you can lose twice as much water through respiration as you would at sea level, according to the Wilderness Medical Society. This startling fact underscores why you should drink more water at high altitudes to stay healthy and safe.

Mountaineers can lose at least 3% of their body weight after just eight days at 4,300 meters above sea level. The simple truth is, you do need more food at altitude to counteract an increased basal metabolic rate and physical exertion, even though your appetite may diminish.