Yahoo News New health study links one daily activity to weight loss boost after menopause
A new study has uncovered a potential link between a daily activity and a range of health benefits by using heat to mimic the effect of burning calories.
Saunas have long been favoured by athletes for their ability to help relieve aches and pains, while studies have indicated that regular use can reduce stress, improve cardiovascular health, and even lower your risk of certain diseases. Now, a recent study carried out by American scientists has suggested that a daily sauna may help older people, particularly women, to combat age-related obesity and insulin resistance, Gloucestershire Live reports.
As Harvard Medical School explains, the dry heat of a sauna causes skin temperature to soar to around 40°C within minutes. This leads the average person to pour out a pint of sweat during a short stint in a sauna, while the pulse rate jumps by 30% or more, allowing the heart to nearly double the amount of blood it pumps each minute.
The study, conducted with mice and presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition in Chicago, showed that older female mice receiving a daily 30-minute whole-body heat treatment gained less weight and showed improved use of insulin, which helps control blood sugar.
Research team leader Professor Soonkyu Chung, of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, said: "Compared to men, women have a higher likelihood of being obese or overweight. This is especially true after menopause, due to the loss of oestrogen in the body. Our study suggests that whole-body heat therapy could serve as an effective, non-invasive solution for managing weight gain and insulin resistance associated with menopause."
Rong Fan, a doctoral candidate advised by Professor Chung, said: "Heat therapy could be a practical option for those with increased abdominal fat and a higher risk of metabolic diseases triggered by menopausal hormonal changes. It could be easily integrated into routine healthcare practices through regular sessions in saunas, heated baths or with specialised heat wraps."
One group of mice received 30 minutes of daily heat therapy in a heat chamber set to 40 degrees Celsius (104F) for 12 weeks while the other group didn't receive any heat treatment. The mice receiving the heat treatment showed no tissue damage and showed "significantly" reduced lactate dehydrogenase levels, indicating less ageing-related tissue damage.
Fan explained that regular application of heat can mimic the effects of calorie burning and fat loss, suggesting that a sauna could be particularly advantageous for those who find physical activities challenging. However, the team said more research needs to be done to determine the optimal duration and intensity of heat exposure in people for health benefits.
Additionally, while saunas have been linked to a wide range of health benefits, those who have certain conditions such as low blood pressure or heart problems are advised to check with their doctor before using one. In addition, health experts advise against using a sauna if you are feeling unwell or are pregnant, and you should avoid drinking alcohol beforehand as this can increase the risk of your body overheating.
