A daily sauna could be the solution to combat the weight gain that accompanies menopause, according to a new study.
- Sauna bathing may help combat age-related obesity and insulin resistance, a new study suggests, and is especially beneficial for postmenopausal women.
- The research team was able to identify the biological processes responsible for the beneficial effects of heat on the body.
- For her, it would be interesting to integrate heat therapy into the management of obesity, menopause or metabolic diseases.
“Compared to men, women have a higher risk of being obese or overweight”says Soonkyu Chung, associate professor in the Department of Nutrition at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. “This is especially true after menopause, due to the loss of estrogen in the body.”.
Her recent work, presented at the Nutrition 2024 conference in Chicago from July 29 to July 2, suggests that regular sauna bathing could help older adults, particularly women, combat age-related weight gain and insulin resistance.
Saunas reduce tissue damage and fat accumulation
To assess the effects of heat on biological processes related to aging, the researchers gathered postmenopausal mice. To induce weight gain, they were fed a diet containing 45% of calories from fat. In addition, one group received 30 minutes of heat therapy in a heat chamber set at 40°C every day for 12 weeks, while the other received no special care. Analyses were then conducted on all the rodents.
The various examinations revealed that mice benefiting from a “daily sauna” gained less weight than the others. In addition, they had lower levels of lactate dehydrogenase, a marker of tissue damage and aging. These animals also showed better use of insulin, which helps control blood sugar, and a reduction in the accumulation of brown fat in the body compared to the control group.
Sauna: How does heat fight aging?
How can hot environments like saunas combat weight gain and the effects of aging? The team was able to identify the biological processes responsible. By studying mice, they discovered that heat triggers several molecular processes that help the body use energy more efficiently and burn fat. “A key player is a protein known as TRPV1, which functions as a calcium ion channel in the cell membrane. When activated by heat, TRPV1 triggers a process known as the calcium futile cycle in which the body uses energy (in the form of ATP) to pump calcium ions across cell membranes. This process helps increase the amount of energy the body burns.”add the scientists in their communicated.
The activation of TRPV1 and the subsequent calcium cycle also stimulate the breakdown and burning of fats. Their accumulation in tissues and organs such as the liver is reduced. This phenomenon helps to improve the body’s sensitivity to insulin.
“This series of events suggests that regular application of heat may limit the calorie-burning and fat-loss effects.”said Rong Fan, who presented the study at the conference on July 1. “This could be particularly beneficial for people who find physical activity challenging, as it is a relaxing way to improve their metabolic health.”
Weight gain: integrating heat into care
“Heat therapy could be a practical option for people with increased abdominal fat and a higher risk of metabolic diseases triggered by the hormonal changes of menopause,” explains speaker Rong Fan in the press release.
Given their discovery, the two researchers believe that thermal therapy – through saunas, but also baths or specific wraps – could be “a practical option for people with increased abdominal fat and a higher risk of metabolic diseases triggered by the hormonal changes of menopause”They add that it can be easily integrated into routine patient care.
However, the team says further work is needed to determine the optimal duration and intensity of heat exposure to achieve health benefits and to confirm its safety and effectiveness for everyone.
