Repeated Far Infrared Sauna Bathing in Adults With Obesity

Targeting Hypertension and Insulin Resistance With Heat Therapy

This is a clinical trial to determine if 30 sessions of far infrared sauna bathing can improve cardiovascular and metabolic function in adults with obesity.

Obesity can increase the risk for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Lifestyle interventions are needed to reduce this risk. Far infrared saunas are one form of heat therapy that may help reduce these risks, however, there is limited research within a population with obesity. It is hypothesized that repeated far infrared sauna bathing will improve cardiovascular and metabolic function in adults with obesity.

Inclusion Criteria:

• BMI between 30-45 kg/m2

Exclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosed diabetes
• Greater than stage 2 hypertension
• Coagulopathies
• Allergies to lidocaine
• Medications affecting blood pressure
• Blood clotting, and blood sugars
• Smoker
• Pregnant
• Desiring to become pregnant in the near future
• Breastfeeding
• BMI less than 30
• BMI greater than 45 kg/m2
• Exercising > 120 min/week
• Taking medications (other than hormone contraceptives)
• Not willing to stop taking medications (other than hormone contraceptives) for 24 hours before testing days