Moderate hypoxic exposure for 4 weeks reduces body fat percentage and increases fat-free mass in trained individuals: a randomized crossover study

Purpose We evaluated whether or not changes in body composition following moderate hypoxic exposure for 4 weeks were different compared to sea level exposure. Methods In a randomized crossover design, nine trained participants were exposed to 2320 m of altitude or sea level for 4 weeks, separated by > 3 months. Body fat percentage (BF%), fat mass (FM), and fat-free mass (FFM) were determined before and after each condition by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and weekly by a bioelectrical impedance scanner to determine changes with a high resolution. Training volume was quantified during both interventions. Results Hypoxic exposure reduced ( P