Thin air linked to weight loss

THIN mountain air might be just the thing to prevent obesity, a recent American study has found. While the research is still in its infancy, high-lying towns like Rhodes – an Eastern Cape village 1832m above sea level – might just get an additional selling-point.

Two studies published last year showed that South Africa had some of the fattest people in the world.

While the effect of high altitude on obesity is not being studied in South Africa yet, a US study published last month has found that people who spend more time at high altitudes have a lower risk obese than those spending their time at sea level. The study tracked 98000 military personnel over six years. - Estelle Ellis