The Unusual Daily Activity That Could Help Women ‘Burn Belly Fat’

Researchers have found that daily activity could help prevent women from piling on the pounds. A study in mice indicated that a daily sauna could help middle-aged women who want to stay healthy.

Finding daily time in a warm environment — such as a sauna — could help older people fight age-related obesity and insulin resistance. Heat treatments could be used as a simple way to promote healthier ageing, scientists said.

A US research team found that older females who received a daily 30-minute full-body heat treatment gained less weight and showed improved use of insulin – which helps control blood sugar. It means heat therapy could be helpful for postmenopausal women.

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Research team leader Professor Soonkyu Chung, from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, said: “Compared to men, women are more likely to be obese or overweight. This is especially true after menopause, due to the loss of estrogen in the body.

“Our study suggests that whole-body heat therapy could serve as an effective, non-invasive solution for the management of weight gain and insulin resistance associated with menopause.” Rong Fan, a PhD student advised by Professor Chung, added: “Heat therapy could be a practical option for those with increased abdominal fat and a higher risk of metabolic diseases triggered by the hormonal changes of menopause.

“It could easily be integrated into routine health care practices through regular sessions in saunas, heated baths or with specialized heat packs.” The ovaries of older female mice were removed to model postmenopausal conditions for the study.

To induce weight gain, mice were fed a Western diet containing 45% calories from fat. One group of mice received 30 minutes of daily heat therapy in a heat chamber set at 40°C for 12 weeks.

A second group received no heat treatment. Mice that received the heat treatment had no tissue damage and showed “significantly” reduced levels of lactate dehydrogenase – indicating less tissue damage related to aging.

The therapy also effectively improved weight gain gained from a high-fat diet. Compared to mice that received no treatment, those that received heat therapy showed “significant” improvements in insulin sensitivity and insulin signaling.

They also showed reduced fat accumulation in areas such as the liver and brown fat. The team said brown fat is a metabolically active type of fat that helps the body burn more energy.

Previous studies have indicated that people tend to lose brown fat as they age and enter menopause, which contributes to a slower metabolism. The research team found 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 starts a process known as the “useless calcium cycle.”

This is where the body uses energy – in the form of ATP – to pump calcium ions across cell membranes. The process helps increase the amount of energy the body burns, the scientists said.

Activation of TRPV1 and calcium cycling stimulates fat breakdown and burning, reducing fat accumulation in tissues such as the liver and helping to improve the body’s insulin sensitivity, which is essential for overall metabolic health.

Ms Fan said: “This series of events suggests that regular application of heat can mimic the effects of calorie burning and fat loss. It could be particularly beneficial for people who find physical activity challenging, providing a relaxing way to improve metabolic health.”

According to the team, more research is needed to determine the optimal duration and intensity of heat exposure. The findings were presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition in Chicago.