Following 2 diet-restricted male outdoor rock climbers: impact on oxidative stress and improvements in markers of cardiovascular risk

Abstract

Lower body fat percentage is positively associated with climbing performance. This may lead climbers to practice unhealthy diet restriction when no sport-specific nutrition information exists. This study examined whether prolonged diet restriction affects body composition, oxidative stress, or other potential health risks in outdoor rock climbers. Two healthy male climbers conducted a 5 week rock climbing trip with a limited food budget ($1 each per day). Subjects underwent an energy restriction of approximately 40%. Loss of body weight and fat mass at week 5 were 5.8% and 16.1%, respectively, and were accompanied by significant subcutaneous fat loss in the iliac crest and abdomen. Triacylglycerols (TG), free fatty acids and C-reactive protein (CRP) dramatically decreased from baseline to week 2, and then maintained the lower level until week 5. Plasma vitamin C was below the normal range, and F2-isoprostanes, a marker of oxidative stress, continuously increased to week 5. Superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase increased to week 2, but had returned to baseline levels at week 5. These results indicate that prolonged reduced energy intake while climbing may have an impact on weight loss and fat mass loss, which may contribute to low circulating TG and CRP, indicating improvements in markers of cardiovascular risk, and may lead to increased oxidative stress and reduced circulating antioxidants. Further studies are warranted to determine whether antioxidant supplementation or increased energy intake reduce oxidative stress.

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“…Mean energy intake in our study was a bit lower (2075 kcal), and the range was between 1267 kcal and 3492 kcal. In another study Merrells et al (2008) analyzed -among others -diet patterns of two climbers during their rock climbing trip. While mean energy intake during five days at baseline was 3556±477 kcal and 2864±779 and dropped during the trip on weekdays SAS-NOWOSIELSKI KRZYSZTOF, WYCISLIK JUDYTA ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------…”

Prevalence of Disordered Eating Among International Sport Lead Rock Climbers

“…Climbing can be considered an antigravitational sport and success is supported by a high strength-to-mass ratio, which diet may strongly influence (Tayne et al, 2019). Although research regarding the dietary intake patterns of climbers is scarce (Zapf et al, 2001;Merrells et al, 2008;Krzysztof and Judyta, 2019), there is anecdotal evidence and published personal testimony of climbers practicing DE behaviors in order to minimize body weight and thus potentially enhance performance (Taylor and Geldard, 2008;Samet, 2013). Because of the myriad of physical and mental consequences associated with long term energy deficiency, and the prevalence of "the lighter the better" mentality among some climbers, the medical community has shared concerns regarding the likely inadequate macronutrient intake and potential for EDs among many climbers (Lutter et al, 2017).…”

Assessment of Dietary Intake and Eating Attitudes in Recreational and Competitive Adolescent Rock Climbers: A Pilot Study

“…Several studies have evaluated the energy expenditure of adult (2, 3, 8) and adolescent (9) climbers. However, only two small-scale studies have assessed dietary intakes in adult climbers (10, 11). In this regard, Merrells et al profiled the dietary patterns of two male rock climbers during a 5-week outdoor rock climbing trip, estimating these climbers to be in a 40% energy deficit.…”