Which group of individuals is most likely to suffer from heat cramps?

Fairly fit athletes who are not acclimated to heat are particularly susceptible to heat cramps due to a combination of factors. While they may possess a level of fitness that allows them to perform well in cooler conditions, lack of acclimatization to hot environments means their bodies are not fully adapted to efficiently regulate temperature.

When these athletes engage in physical activity in high temperatures, they may experience excessive sweating without the necessary adaptations that help maintain fluid and electrolyte balance. This can lead to imbalances of sodium and potassium, which are critical for muscle function. As a result, the risk of developing cramps increases, manifesting as painful, involuntary muscle contractions.

In contrast, children playing outdoors might be less prone to such cramps due to automatic signaling from their bodies to seek rest or hydration. Unfit individuals may experience different responses to heat that aren't as directly related to cramps, and those with chronic illnesses may have underlying conditions that might alter their responses to heat in various ways, making them less likely to experience cramps specifically as opposed to other heat-related illnesses.