Heat Therapy Has Benefits for Menopausal Weight Management, Study Suggests

In a groundbreaking study presented at the Nutrition 2024 conference, researchers from the University of Massachusetts Amherst have unveiled promising findings on the use of heat therapy to manage weight gain and metabolic issues in menopausal women.

This innovative approach suggests that daily exposure to a hot environment, such as a sauna or jacuzzi, could offer a non-invasive solution to counteract the common weight-related challenges faced during menopause.

Study Overview

The research, led by Associate Professor Soonkyu Chung and PhD candidate Rong Fan, focused on older female mice and ovariectomized mice to simulate the conditions of menopause. These mice were fed a high-fat Western diet and subjected to daily 30-minute sessions in a 40°C (104°F) heat chamber over 12 weeks. The aim was to observe the impact of hyperthermia on diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance.

Key Findings

1. Reduced Weight Gain: The study found that heat therapy effectively mitigated weight gain induced by a high-fat diet. Mice that underwent heat therapy showed significantly less weight gain compared to those that did not receive the treatment.
2. Improved Insulin Sensitivity: Heat-treated mice exhibited significant improvements in insulin sensitivity and insulin signaling in inguinal white adipose tissue (iWAT). This improvement is crucial for managing blood sugar levels and preventing diabetes.
3. Enhanced Fat Metabolism: The therapy also reduced fat accumulation in the liver and brown fat. Brown fat, known for its ability to burn calories, was better maintained in the heat-treated mice, helping them use energy more efficiently.
4. Tissue Health: No tissue damage was observed in the heat-treated group, and there was a significant reduction in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, indicating less aging-related tissue damage.
5. Molecular Mechanisms: The researchers identified that heat therapy triggers the activation of the protein TRPV1, which induces ATP-consuming futile calcium cycling. This process promotes thermogenic energy expenditure, aiding in weight management.

Implications for Menopausal Women

The findings suggest that heat therapy could be a viable strategy for managing weight gain and metabolic health during menopause. Hormonal changes during menopause often lead to increased fat storage and decreased muscle mass, making weight management particularly challenging for many women. Incorporating regular sauna sessions or heated baths into routine healthcare practices could provide a practical and effective solution.

“This series of events suggests that regular application of heat can mimic the effects of calorie burning and fat loss,” said Rong Fan in a news release. “It could be particularly advantageous for individuals who find physical activities challenging, providing a relaxing way to improve metabolic health.”

Future Research

While the study’s results are promising, further research is needed to determine the optimal duration and intensity of heat exposure in humans. The researchers are hopeful that these findings can pave the way for new, accessible treatments for menopausal women struggling with weight gain and metabolic issues.

Presentation:

Reference:

Nutrition 2024. (PTFS11-03-24) Hyperthermia treatment attenuates diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance in old female and ovariectomized mice via TRPV1-mediated futile calcium cycling.