Evaluation of thermal sensitivity is of potential clinical utility for the predictive, preventive, and personalized approach advancing metabolic syndrome management

A possible association between metabolic disorders and ambient temperature has been suggested, and cold exposure as a way of increasing energy expenditure has gained considerable interest for preventative/therapeutic measures toward metabolic disorders. Although thermal sensitivity, which has recently been studied in regard to its utility as a risk assessment/patient stratification for various diseases, might influence physiological responses to ambient temperature on an individual basis, more studies are needed. We aimed to investigate the association between self-identified thermal intolerance/sensation and metabolic syndrome (MetS) to verify the working hypothesis that individuals with altered thermal sensitivity may have a predisposition to MetS. We fitted generalized additive models for thermal intolerance/sensation using body mass index (BMI) and waist–hip ratio in women, and identified those with higher/lower thermal intolerance/sensation than those predicted by the models. Higher heat intolerance, higher heat sensation, and lower cold intolerance were associated with a higher prevalence of MetS. The risk of having MetS was increased in those who had two or three associated conditions compared with those with none of these conditions. In an analysis for MetS components, significant associations of thermal sensitivity were present with high glucose, triglyceride, and blood pressure levels. Overall, higher heat intolerance/sensation and lower cold intolerance were associated with increased prevalence of MetS even at a similar level of obesity. Our study indicates that evaluation of thermal sensitivity may help identify individuals at high risk for MetS, and lead to more advanced patient stratification and personalized treatment strategies for MetS, including cold-induced thermogenesis. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13167-022-00273-6.