Obesity May Increase Mountain Sickness Risk
ISLAMABAD: Obese people appear to be at increased risk for developing acute mountain sickness (AMS), according to a report published in the August 19th issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Although the reason for this association is unclear, it may partly relate to greater night-time declines in oxygen saturation levels in obese individuals.
The prevalence and severity of AMS is known to depend on several factors, such as age, gender, speed of ascent, and altitude. Findings from previous studies have suggested that obesity may be a risk factor for AMS, but this association has not been studied under controlled conditions.
To address this, Dr. Tony G. Babb, from the Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas, and colleagues measured AMS scores and oxygen saturation levels in 9 obese and 10 nonobese men who were placed in a decompression chamber that simulated a rapid climb to 12,000 feet. All of the subjects resided at sea level.
Obese subjects experienced a significantly greater rise in AMS scores with altitude than did nonobese subjects. After 24 hours in the chamber, seven obese subjects and four nonobese subjects had scores of 4 or higher, the threshold for the formal diagnosis of AMS.
Headache, which was reported in 89% of subjects, was the most common AMS symptom, followed by difficulty sleeping, gastrointestinal upset, and fatigue and weakness.
Oxygen saturation levels were significantly lower in obese subjects than in their nonobese peers, with the lowest values observed at night.
"We conclude that obesity is an important, previously unrecognized factor in the development of AMS," Babb’s team notes.
However, the editors of the journal caution that although the findings suggest that "obese men more susceptible to AMS, the study involved few people, simulated a steady rate of ascent, and did not stimulate physical activity with altitude exposure."
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