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June 2, 2006
For Immediate Release

ROLE OF ALTITUDE IN WEIGHT LOSS STUDIED
Subjects Lost Weight in Simulated Stays at 12,000 Feet

DENVER - Three out of four obese test subjects lost weight sleeping at a simulated altitude of 12,000 feet, according to research presented today at the 53rd Annual Meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) in Denver.  The pilot study points toward a possible way to jump-start a weight-loss program.

The subjects spent up to six weeks sleeping in an altitude tent that lowers oxygen concentration to levels similar to those more than two miles above sea level.  During the control period, subjects slept in the tent at an altitude equivalent to sea level.  Researcher George Swanson said, "During Phase 1 of the study, the subjects slept at the equivalent of 5,000 feet on the first night and then were either 'elevated' by 1000 feet per night on succeeding nights (treatment group) or returned to sea level (control group).  In Phase II, subjects slept at 12,000 feet on the first night (treatment) or at sea level (control.)  Participants pursued their usual activities during the day.

All four subjects lost weight during the experiment.  "Subject 1 lost weight during sea-level exposure but not during altitude exposure," said Swanson.  "Subjects 2, 3 and 4 lost an average of 1.9 pounds per week but not during sea-level exposure.  This indicates that, for at least some overweight or obese individuals, sleeping in simulated altitude tents may act to jump-start a weight-loss program."  Swanson and fellow researchers are currently studying how the hormone ghrelin, which has a role in triggering appetite, functions at simulated high altitude.

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The conclusions outlined in this news release are those of the researchers only, and should not be construed as an official statement of the American College of Sports Medicine.

ACSM: Advancing health through science, education and medicine.

The American College of Sports Medicine is the largest sports medicine and exercise science organization in the world.  More than 20,000 international, national, and regional members are dedicated to promoting and integrating scientific research, education, and practical applications of sports medicine and exercise science to maintain and enhance physical performance, fitness, health, and quality of life.