Recent research, focusing on mice, indicates that daily exposure to heat, such as in a sauna, could offer significant health advantages, particularly for older women grappling with age-related obesity and insulin resistance.
Scientists from the United States have highlighted the potential of heat therapies as a straightforward method to support healthier aging. The study, led by Professor Soonkyu Chung from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, revealed compelling outcomes among older female mice subjected to daily 30-minute whole-body heat treatments. These mice exhibited reduced weight gain and enhanced insulin utilization, crucial for managing blood sugar levels.
According to Professor Chung, women face a higher risk of obesity and overweight issues compared to men, a disparity exacerbated post-menopause due to declining estrogen levels. “Our findings suggest that whole-body heat therapy could offer a non-invasive solution to combat weight gain and insulin resistance associated with menopause,” he stated.
Rong Fan, a doctoral candidate under Professor Chung’s guidance, emphasized the practicality of heat therapy for individuals with increased abdominal fat and heightened risk of metabolic diseases triggered by hormonal changes during menopause. “It can be easily incorporated into routine healthcare practices through regular sessions in saunas, heated baths, or specialized heat wraps,” Fan suggested.
Study Details and Findings
To simulate post-menopausal conditions, the researchers surgically removed the ovaries of older female mice. These mice were then fed a high-fat Western diet containing 45% calories from fat to induce weight gain. One group of mice underwent daily heat therapy sessions in a chamber set to 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) for 12 weeks, while a control group received no heat treatment.
The study observed that mice receiving heat therapy did not experience tissue damage and exhibited significantly reduced levels of lactate dehydrogenase, a marker of aging-related tissue damage. Furthermore, heat therapy effectively countered weight gain induced by the high-fat diet.
Improved Insulin Sensitivity and Fat Metabolism
Mice subjected to heat therapy demonstrated enhanced insulin sensitivity and improved insulin signaling pathways. Additionally, they displayed reduced fat accumulation in critical areas such as the liver and brown fat tissues. Brown fat, known for its metabolic activity, assists in burning energy and contributes to a faster metabolism, which tends to decline with age and during menopause.
The research team delved into the molecular mechanisms underlying these beneficial effects of heat therapy. They identified TRPV1, a protein acting as a calcium ion channel in cell membranes, as a key player. Activation of TRPV1 by heat initiates a process known as “futile calcium cycling,” where the body expends energy (ATP) to transport calcium ions across cell membranes. This process enhances energy expenditure, promotes fat breakdown, and reduces fat accumulation in tissues like the liver. Moreover, it enhances insulin sensitivity, crucial for overall metabolic health.
Implications and Future Directions
“This cascade of events suggests that regular application of heat can mimic the effects of calorie burning and fat loss,” Fan explained. She noted that heat therapy could be particularly advantageous for individuals who find physical activities challenging, offering a relaxing alternative to improve metabolic health.
The researchers emphasize the need for further studies to determine the optimal duration and intensity of heat exposure for achieving health benefits in humans. Their findings were presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition in Chicago, signaling a promising avenue for future research into heat therapies and their potential applications in combating age-related metabolic disorders.
This research underscores the potential of heat therapies as a non-pharmacological approach to support metabolic health and manage weight gain associated with aging and menopause, offering hope for future therapeutic interventions.
