Hypoxia for Appetite

Overseen By Pascal Imbeault, PhD

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Female

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Ottawa

Must not be taking: Hypolipemics, Hormonal contraceptives, Antidepressants, Anticoagulants

Disqualifiers: Chronic disease, Smoking, Pregnancy, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

10 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The goal of this clinical trial is to investigate the effects of acute passive continuous hypoxemia (simulated high-altitude at rest) on appetite and energy intake in healthy young female adults. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does six hours of simulated high-altitude (5000 meters) reduce scores of subjective appetite and energy intake? * Do changes in appetite and energy intake persist in the hours following the end of hypoxic exposure? Researchers will compare the effects of simulated high-altitude to a control normoxia (sea-level) condition to see if exposure to low oxygen levels independently affect appetite and energy intake. Participants will: * Visit the laboratory for a preliminary screening session to assess eligibility. * Undergo two randomized, single-blind, experimental sessions consisting of six hours of passive exposure to normoxia or hypoxia in a climate-controlled chamber. * Consume foods provided from a curated list, served in ad libitum quantities, after leaving the laboratory to assess post-exposure energy intake.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial requires that you do not use certain medications, including hypolipemic medications (for lowering cholesterol), hormonal contraceptives, antidepressants, and anticoagulants. If you are taking any of these, you would need to stop before participating.

Is hypoxia generally safe for humans?

Research on hypoxia, which involves reduced oxygen levels, shows it can affect appetite and energy intake, but there is no specific mention of serious safety concerns in healthy individuals. However, it can cause acute mountain sickness (AMS), which includes symptoms like headache and nausea, especially at high altitudes. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

How does the hypoxia treatment for appetite differ from other treatments?

Hypoxia treatment is unique because it involves exposure to low oxygen levels, which can suppress appetite by affecting hormones related to hunger and fullness. Unlike traditional appetite treatments that might involve medication or dietary changes, hypoxia alters the body's natural hormone responses to reduce hunger and food intake. ^{1 3 4 6 7}

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for healthy young female adults interested in how simulated high-altitude conditions might affect their appetite and food intake. Participants should be eligible based on preliminary screening, but details of specific inclusion or exclusion criteria are not provided.

Inclusion Criteria

Ability to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria

I am currently using hormonal birth control.

Ongoing smoking status

Experiencing pregnancy, puerperium, or irregular menstrual cycles

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1 visit (in-person)

Experimental Sessions

Participants undergo two randomized, single-blind, experimental sessions consisting of six hours of passive exposure to normoxia or hypoxia in a climate-controlled chamber.

6 hours per session

2 visits (in-person)

Post-Exposure Assessment

Participants consume foods provided from a curated list, served in ad libitum quantities, after leaving the laboratory to assess post-exposure energy intake.

24 hours

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in appetite and energy intake, as well as other physiological measures, after the experimental sessions.

24 hours

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Hypoxia
• Normoxia

Trial Overview The study tests the impact of six hours in a controlled environment simulating high altitude (5000 meters) versus normal sea-level conditions on young women's appetite and calorie consumption, both during and after exposure.

Participant Groups

Group I: Normoxia Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Group II: Hypoxia (simulated altitude of 5000 meters above sea-level) Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Ottawa

Lead Sponsor

Trials

231

Recruited

267,000+

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, Canada

Collaborator

Trials

63

Recruited

3,000+

Hopital Montfort

Collaborator

Trials

15

Recruited

5,000+

Institut du Savoir Montfort

Collaborator

Trials

2

Recruited

210+

References

1. Canada pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Ghrelin, GLP-1, and leptin responses during exposure to moderate hypoxia. [2016]

2. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effects of hypoxia on hunger perceptions, appetite-related hormone concentrations and energy intake: A systematic review and meta-analysis. [2019]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The hypoxia response and nutritional peptides. [2022]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Appetite, Hypoxia, and Acute Mountain Sickness: A 10-Hour Normobaric Hypoxic Chamber Study. [2023]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Appetite at "high altitude" [Operation Everest III (Comex-'97)]: a simulated ascent of Mount Everest. [2017]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Changes in body mass, appetite-related hormones, and appetite sensation in women during 4 days of hypobaric hypoxic exposure equivalent to 3,500-m altitude. [2023]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Influence of rest and exercise at a simulated altitude of 4,000 m on appetite, energy intake, and plasma concentrations of acylated ghrelin and peptide YY. [2016]