Scientists from the University of Massachusetts Amherst have unveiled a potentially groundbreaking approach to addressing menopause-related weight gain and insulin resistance, conditions associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Presented at NUTRITION 2024, the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition in Chicago, the researchers’ findings highlight a simple yet effective method using heat therapy.
The study focused on older female mice without ovaries, fed a high-fat Western diet. A group of these “menopausal” mice underwent daily heat therapy in a chamber set to 104°F for 30 minutes over 12 weeks, while a control group did not receive heat treatment.
The results were striking: the mice subjected to heat therapy showed reduced age-related tissue damage, less fat accumulation, and were less prone to weight gain compared to the untreated group. Importantly, heat therapy also enhanced insulin sensitivity and signaling in the rodents.
Exploring the mechanisms behind these findings, the researchers identified that heat therapy activates a molecule called TRPV1, a calcium ion channel in cell membranes. Activation of TRPV1 through heat leads to increased energy expenditure and fat burning, thereby improving insulin sensitivity.
“This series of events suggests that regular application of heat can mimic the effects of calorie burning and fat loss,” explained study co-author Rong Fan, a doctoral candidate, in a news release. “It could be particularly advantageous for individuals who find physical activities challenging, providing a relaxing way to improve metabolic health.”
While promising, the findings are preliminary and require peer review. Moreover, as the study was conducted on mice, further research is necessary to determine if similar benefits can be observed in humans. The potential for heat therapy to mitigate menopause-related metabolic issues warrants continued investigation to validate its effectiveness and safety in clinical settings.