Effects of Daily Low Oxygen Exposure on Weight Status, Body Composition, and Metabolic Health
The objective of the proposed double-blind, parallel-arm, randomized clinical trial is to evaluate changes in body weight and composition, assess determinants of energy balance (intake and expenditure), and measure modulators of energy balance, following 8 wk of calorie restriction (-500 kcal/d) in combination with either overnight exposure to normobaric hypoxia (8 h/night, 15% FiO2, \ 2640 m) or normoxia (8 h/night, 21% FiO2), using a commercially available, in-home tent system, in adults with obesity.
• Obese (BMI between 30-39.9 kg/m2)
• Born at altitudes below 2,100 meters (\
⁃ 7,000 feet)
• Currently residing in Tallahassee, Florida or surrounding area
• Completed a full FDA authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccination series at least 14 days before any in-person human research activity.
• Not taking any medication(s) that interfere with oxygen delivery/transport for 4 weeks prior to and throughout the entire study (e.g., includes sedatives, sleeping aids, tranquilizers and/or any medication that depresses ventilation, diuretics, alpha and beta blockers).
• Willing to refrain from smoking, vaping, chewing tobacco, and dietary supplement use throughout the entire study.
• Willing to have a hypoxic tent set-up in their home and spend 8 consecutive hours per night in the tent for 8 weeks
• Lives with a family member, partner/spouse, or roommate who can hear and respond in the unlikely event that the blood oxygen, air oxygen, or air carbon dioxide monitoring alarm would sound.