Effect of BMI on the thermogenic response to cold exposure and associated changes in metabolism and browning markers in adult humans

Introduction. Brown adipose tissue (BAT) serves to produce heat by non-shivering thermogenesis. Activation of BAT increases energy expenditure and is seen as a putative strategy to treat obesity. There is conflicting data on the capacity for cold induced thermogenesis in individuals with higher BMI. Methods. To investigate the effect of BMI on cold-induced stimulation of energy expenditure, changes in the metabolic profile, and the expression of browning markers in subcutaneous white adipose tissue (scWAT), healthy adults (N=173, 50.9 % females) with a median age of 26.0 [Interquartile range (IQR): 23.0;28.0] years and a median BMI of 23.6 [IQR: 21.9;26.6] kg/m ² were exposed to short-term mild cold exposure (CE). Resting energy expenditure (REE) was measured by indirect calorimetry and blood sampling was conducted at baseline and after CE. In a subgroup of participants with obesity, subcutaneous abdominal fat biopsies were taken before and after CE. Res ults. The cold-induced median increase in REE was 74 (IQR: -28; 241) kcal/day (p
Source: Obesity Facts - Category: Eating Disorders & Weight Management Source Type: research