A new study on mice suggests that spending time in hot environments, such as SaunaMay help older adults, especially women, fight age-related obesity and insulin resistance. Research indicates that heat treatment may be a simple and effective way to promote healthy aging.

In the study, older female mice were given a 30-minute full-body warm water treatment every day. These mice lost weight and had improved insulin use, which is essential for controlling blood sugar levels. The researchers also identified the biological processes responsible for these benefits.

“Women are more likely than men to be obese or overweight, especially when Menopause due to estrogen deficiency,” said Soonkyu Chung, PhD, associate professor in the department of nutrition at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and lead researcher of the study. “Our study suggests that whole-body heat therapy may be an effective, non-invasive way to manage weight gain and insulin resistance associated with menopause.”

The findings were presented by Rong Fan, a doctoral candidate under Chung’s supervision, at NUTRITION 2024, the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition, held in Chicago from June 29 to July 2.

“Heat therapy may be a viable option for people struggling with increased abdominal fat and a higher risk of metabolic diseases resulting from hormonal changes during menopause,” Fan said. “It can easily be incorporated into routine health care practices through regular sessions in saunas, hot baths or using special heat wraps.”

To mimic post-menopausal conditions, older female mice had their ovaries removed. The mice were then fed a Western diet with 45 percent of calories from fat to induce weight gain. One group of mice was given 30 minutes of heat therapy daily in a chamber set at 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) for 12 weeks, while the other group was given no heat treatment.

The results were promising. The mice that were given heat therapy showed no tissue damage and had significantly lower levels of lactate dehydrogenase, an enzyme associated with tissue damage and aging. The heat treatment also effectively reduced weight gain induced by a high-fat diet.

The mice that were given heat therapy showed significant improvements in insulin sensitivity and signaling. They also had less fat accumulation in key areas like the liver and brown fat. Unlike regular fat that stores energy, brown fat is metabolically active and helps the body burn more energy. Previous research has shown that people lose brown fat as they age, especially during menopause, which contributes to a slower metabolism.

The researchers also explored the molecular mechanisms behind the positive effects of heat therapy. They found that heat activates several molecular processes that help the body use energy more efficiently and burn fat. A key protein involved is TRPV1, which acts as a calcium ion channel in cell membranes. When activated by heat, TRPV1 begins a process known as futile calcium cycling, where the body expends energy (in the form of ATP) to pump calcium ions across cell membranes. This process increases the amount of energy the body burns.

TRPV1 activation and subsequent calcium cycling also promotes fat breakdown and burning. This process reduces fat accumulation in tissues such as the liver and increases insulin sensitivity, which is important for overall metabolic health. “These findings suggest that regular exposure to heat may mimic the effects of calorie burning and fat loss,” Fan said. “This may be particularly beneficial for individuals who find physical activity challenging, providing a comfortable way to improve metabolic health.”

The researchers emphasized that more research is needed to determine the optimal duration and intensity of heat exposure in humans. Further studies are necessary to confirm the safety and effectiveness of heat therapy in different populations.

Daily heat therapy may offer a new, non-invasive approach to managing age-related weight gain and insulin resistance, particularly for postmenopausal women.

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