Hypoxic training does not outperform normal training in improving cardiometabolic health

In an analysis of 9 randomized controlled trials, with overall 278 (about 45 years old)  overweight or obese participants, researchers compared the impact of low-oxygen and normal-oxygen exercises on blood pressure, lipids, and fasting glucose. ^[1]

Why It Matters

As a result, they found no differences in these activities. Training at high altitudes, using specialized equipment to reduce oxygen levels (like masks), or performing breath-holding exercises while training will probably not effect any cardiomethabolic benefits in obese people. 

What to Keep in Mind

To find out whether specific conditions or populations might benefit more, they point out the need for larger, better-designed trials with uniform participant groups and standardized hypoxia protocols.

Larger studies with uniform protocols are needed to find out clear details and conditions related to hypoxic training for obese people.

Note, the majority of previous research used "relative hypoxia," which balances exercise intensity between hypoxic and normal oxygen, as opposed to "absolute hypoxia," which lowers oxygen but keeps the same load.

Bottom Line

You most likely won't gain more from low-oxygen training than from normal-oxygen training if you're an adult who is overweight or obese and exercising to improve metabolic health. Regular exercise is still extremely important.