Body composition at sea level and high altitudes

¹ Instituto de Biología Andina, Facultad de Medicina, Lima, Peru

Simultaneous determinations of total body water and extracellular fluid, using the antipyrine and sucrose infusion methods, have been carried out in 28 adult male residents at sea level and in 28 residents at an altitude of 14,900 ft. Body composition was calculated from these data. The various body spaces, expressed in percentage of body weight, were similar in the two groups, with the exception of the extracellular fluid which was greater in those in the high altitude group (P < 0.01). Neither racial characteristics nor altitude appear to be factors generally affecting body composition. In individuals having adequate caloric intake body composition seems to be influenced principally by physical activity. In fact, physical inactivity appeared to produce a loss of active tissue and its replacement by fat.