Is Obesity a Risk Factor for Acute Mountain Sickness? A Systematic Review.

Authors

Hardeep Dhanjal, Jeremy Windsor

Published in

Journal of travel medicine. Oct 26, 2026. Epub Oct 26, 2026.

Abstract

An ascent to high altitude exposes the human body to a reduction in the partial pressure of inspired oxygen. In order to maintain oxygen delivery to the tissues, a series of physiological adaptations must take place. However, in many cases this process is incomplete and high-altitude illnesses develop. The commonest form of high-altitude illness is acute mountain sickness (AMS). The aim of this systematic review is to summarise the relevant research and determine whether obesity is a risk factor for AMS.
From a systematic search of the medical literature, a total of 25 publications were included for analysis.
Ten studies sought to determine whether participants with AMS had a higher BMI than those who did not. Four studies reported a statistically significant difference. One study reported a statistically non-significant difference. The remaining five studies reported no difference. Fifteen studies sought to determine whether AMS was commoner in those with obesity.Nine studies reported a statistically significant difference. Four studies reported a statistically non-significant difference. The remaining two studies reported no difference. Seven studies presented the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals of AMS incidence in obese compared to non-obese populations. Five of the seven studies showed a statistically significant difference in AMS incidence with odds ratios ranging between 1.2 and 3.8.
Whilst a small number of studies failed to show a statistically significant difference in AMS between obese and non-obese individuals, the majority supported the assertion that obesity is a potential risk factor for AMS. Further research is required to support this conclusion and identify the wider challenges faced by obese individuals heading to high altitude.

PMID:
42932228
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 27 Oct 2026.

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