Loss of body fat during an arctic winter expedition

Abstract

Fifty-five soldiers have been observed over a vigorous 10-day sledging patrol in the Canadian arctic and subarctic. Initial observations showed a low level of physical fitness (26% body fat, aerobic power 41.9 ± 7.8 ml kg−1 min−1, handgrip force 43.7 ± 7.2 kg). Over the 2-week northern sojourn, energy expenditures as measured by a Kofranyi–Michaelis respirometer and diary observation averaged 3248 kcal (13.6 MJ) day−1, with a small (152 kcal (633 kJ)) positive daily energy balance. A weight loss of 1 kg, presumably water, was made good within 1 week of return to the south. A fat loss of some 3.9 kg was probably attributable largely to the demands of lean tissue synthesis. The lean mass was increased by 3.9 kg over the trial, with parallel gains of muscle force and aerobic power. The rapid mobilization of depot fat led to marked ketonuria.