Understanding how temperature affects calorie burning in adults
Energy Expenditure Responses to Different Temperatures
This study tests how different room temperatures affect calorie burning in healthy young and older men, especially looking at the differences between lean and obese individuals.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) NIH |
| Locations | 1 site (Bethesda, Maryland) |
| Trial ID | NCT01568671 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates how the body burns calories in response to different environmental temperatures, focusing on the role of brown fat in energy expenditure. It aims to explore the relationship between energy expenditure, body temperature, and environmental temperature, particularly in the context of obesity. The study involves healthy male participants aged 18-35 and 55-75, comparing lean and obese individuals to understand differences in calorie burning. The research is conducted in a controlled environment where room temperatures are manipulated to observe physiological responses.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are generally healthy males aged 18-35 or 55-75, including non-Hispanic Caucasian and African-American individuals.
Not a fit: Patients with significant health issues such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or those with a recent weight change may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into new strategies for preventing and managing obesity by leveraging the body's natural calorie-burning mechanisms.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results regarding the role of brown fat in energy expenditure, suggesting that this approach has potential for further exploration.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
* INCLUSION CRITERIA: * Generally healthy. * Males between the age greater than or equal to 18 -35 years or between 55-75 years, male orand females between the age 18-35 years. * Self-reported non-Hispanic and non-Latino Caucasian and African-Americans * Written informed consent. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: * Hypo- or hyper-thyroid (history or TSH \>5.0\<0.4 miU/L) * Psychological conditions,such as (but not limited to) claustrophobia, clinical depression, bipolar disorders, that would be incompatible with safe and successful participation in this study * Weight change \>5% in the past 6 months or a trained athlete Blood pressure greater than 140/90 mmHg or current antihypertensive therapy * History of cardiovascular disease * BMI \<18.5, between 25.1-29.9, and \>40 Kg/m(2) * Diabetes mellitus (fasting serum glucose \> 126 mg/dL) * Liver disease or ALT serum level greater than two times the laboratory upper limit of normal * Iron deficiency (Ferritin \< 30 mcg/L males, \< 15 mcg/L females) * Abnormal kidney function (eGFR\<60 ml/min/1.73m(2)) * History of illicit drug or alcohol abuse within the last 5 years; current use of drugs (by history) or alcohol (CAGE greater than or equal to 2) * Current use of medications/dietary supplements/alternative therapies known to alter energy metabolism * Pregnancy/breastfeeding/hormonal contraception or childbirth within the last year * Perimenopausal (as self-described within two years from onset of amenorrhea or current complaints of hot flashes) * For pre-menopausal women, irregular periods or polycystic ovarian disease * Current smoker or user of tobacco products * Metal implant that prevents subject from being in a MRI scanner. All subjects will be fully informed of the aims, nature, and risks of the study prior to giving written informed consent.
Where this trial is running
Bethesda, Maryland
- National Institutes of Health Clinical Center — Bethesda, Maryland, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kong Y Chen, Ph.D. — National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
- Study coordinator: Margaret S McGehee, C.R.N.P.
- Email: mcgeheems@mail.nih.gov
- Phone: (301) 594-6799
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.