Why Women Can Survive Longer in the Cold Than Men

New research suggests that women have a hidden advantage over men when it comes to surviving and performing in icy, isolated conditions. In a study observing 20 elite athletes during the grueling Mountain Wilderness Ski Classic in Alaska, women showed higher energy efficiency than men despite the tougher overall conditions. While men consumed more calories daily - 31.1 megajoules compared to 20.8 megajoules in women - their energy expenditure per unit of fat-free mass was almost the same. Crucially, women consumed less energy relative to their total load, indicating they moved more efficiently through the arctic terrain. This greater 'functional efficiency' suggests that women can better conserve energy when carrying loads in extreme environments. Researchers believe this could be attributed to physiological characteristics such as improved fat metabolism and lower susceptibility to fatigue. Participants endured temperatures as low as -36 °C and relied solely on self-navigation without external support. The results align with other studies showing that women are more resilient in endurance activities. In survival scenarios, especially in extreme cold, such traits could prove crucial. Given the increasing climate extremes, understanding these differences could reshape how we train, equip, and prepare men and women for the toughest conditions on Earth.