Repeated far‑infrared sauna bathing for adults with obesity
Official title: Targeting Hypertension and Insulin Resistance With Heat Therapy
Run by University of Oregon · NCT07158047 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This tests whether 30 sessions of far‑infrared sauna bathing can improve heart and metabolic health in adults with obesity.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 59 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Oregon Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Eugene, Oregon) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 7, 2022 |
| Main results expected | June 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | July 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | March 4, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07158047 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults with a BMI between 30 and 45 kg/m2 who do not have diabetes, advanced hypertension, or other exclusionary conditions and who can attend in-person sessions in Eugene, Oregon are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People with diagnosed diabetes, stage >2 hypertension, active smokers, those on interfering medications, or those unable to attend in-person sessions are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Adults with obesity (BMI 30–45 kg/m2) will attend 30 sessions of far‑infrared sauna bathing and undergo measurements of cardiovascular and metabolic function before and after the intervention. Key exclusion criteria include diagnosed diabetes, stage >2 hypertension, smoking, pregnancy, and use of medications that affect blood pressure or blood sugars. Outcomes include measures of arterial stiffness, blood pressure, and markers of insulin resistance to see if repeated heat exposure produces measurable improvement. All visits occur in person at the University of Oregon.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could offer a nonpharmacologic way to modestly improve blood pressure, arterial stiffness, and metabolic markers in adults with obesity.
How similar studies have gone: Some small studies of sauna or heat therapy suggest improvements in blood pressure and metabolic markers, but far‑infrared sauna specifically in people with obesity has limited prior evidence.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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
Where it's running
-
University of Oregon
Eugene, Oregon, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Christopher T Minson, PhD — University of Oregon
- Study coordinator: Christopher T Minson, PhD
- Email: minson@uoregon.edu
- Phone: 541-346-7583
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.