Cooling gel could flip the Body's Fat-Burning switch
NCT ID NCT07030725
First seen Aug 06, 2026 · Last updated Aug 07, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This early trial tests whether applying a menthol gel to the chest can activate brown adipose tissue—the body's heat-generating fat—and increase energy expenditure. Twelve healthy, physically active adults will receive menthol gel, a sham gel, or no gel on separate visits. Researchers will measure resting energy expenditure, skin temperature near the collarbone, and shivering to see if menthol mimics cold exposure and boosts metabolism.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Menthol gel (5% L-menthol) applied to the chest
- What this could lead to
- If menthol activates brown fat, it could point toward a simple, drug-free way to boost metabolism and aid weight management.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early, small trial (12 people) measuring short-term effects, so results may not apply broadly. Menthol may cause skin irritation or fail to activate brown fat as hoped.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Indiana University
Bloomington, Indiana, 47405, United States