Investigating how daily low oxygen exposure affects weight and metabolic health
Official title: Effects of daily low oxygen exposure on weight status, body composition, and metabolic health
Funded at Lsu Pennington Biomedical Research Ctr · NIH-11095841 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how spending time in low-oxygen environments might help people lose weight and improve their health, and it's designed for anyone interested in finding new ways to manage their weight and metabolism.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lsu Pennington Biomedical Research Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baton Rouge, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $366,186 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK127162-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11095841 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults with obesity or metabolic conditions who have not responded to traditional weight-loss interventions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not overweight or obese, or those with severe respiratory conditions that may be exacerbated by low-oxygen exposure, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the effects of daily exposure to low-oxygen conditions on weight status, body composition, and metabolic health. By utilizing commercially available low-oxygen systems, the study aims to provide a feasible alternative to traditional altitude exposure for weight loss. Participants may experience changes in energy expenditure and appetite regulation, potentially leading to weight loss and improved metabolic outcomes. The research will involve monitoring participants' responses to these low-oxygen environments over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could offer a novel approach to weight loss and metabolic health improvement for individuals struggling with obesity.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that exposure to moderate and high altitudes can lead to weight loss, suggesting that this approach may be promising, though the use of low-oxygen systems at sea level is less explored.
Where this research is happening
-
Lsu Pennington Biomedical Research Ctr
Baton Rouge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Berryman, Claire E. — Lsu Pennington Biomedical Research Ctr
- Study coordinator: Berryman, Claire E.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Microglia Help Finish Seizures and Heal the Brain
Scientists are studying how brain immune cells (microglia) help end severe seizures and repair brain damage, with potential new ideas for people who have had status epilepticus.
-
Preterm infant body composition and early-life health after NICU stay
This grant studies how body composition in very preterm babies relates to later brain development and risk of obesity or diabetes, with findings meant to improve care from NICU through early childhood.
-
Body composition and outcomes after lung transplant
A patient-focused look at how body fat and muscle measurements around the time of lung transplant relate to recovery, complications, and quality of life after surgery.
-
A decentralized, post-incarceration program to help people living with or at risk for HIV
A patient-facing program called DEST2nation aims to help people recently released from jail or prison stay on HIV treatment (ART) and prevention (PrEP) by coordinating care, housing, and support services through peers and community organizations.
-
Metabolic Health and Lifestyle in Down Syndrome and Risk of Related Health Conditions
A nationwide study aims to understand how metabolic health and daily habits affect health conditions like Alzheimer’s-related changes in people with Down syndrome.
-
Healer-initiated HIV testing to bridge gaps in South Africa
This project tests whether traditional healers can offer HIV counseling and testing to people who don’t usually get tested, to link more individuals to care.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.