Harnessing the Power of Brown Fat
Brown fat, also known as brown adipose tissue (BAT), is a unique type of fat in our bodies distinct from the white fat commonly found around the belly and thighs. Unlike white fat, which stores energy, brown fat burns calories from the foods we eat to generate heat, especially when exposed to cold temperatures, such as during winter swimming or cryotherapy. Recent research reveals that not only do newborns and small animals possess brown fat, but almost all adults also retain small amounts of it throughout their lives. This discovery opens new avenues for us to help clients achieve their health and fitness goals.
Brown fat’s primary function is to convert calories into heat, a process known as thermogenesis. This characteristic makes it an exciting target for weight management and obesity treatment. Scientists are exploring ways to safely activate brown fat using drugs that enhance its heat-producing capabilities.
A study led by Professor Jan-Wilhelm Kornfeld from the University of Southern Denmark and Professor Dagmar Wachten from the University Hospital Bonn discovered a previously unknown mechanism within brown fat that limits its effectiveness. This mechanism, controlled by a protein called AC3-AT, switches off brown fat shortly after activation. By understanding and potentially blocking this “off switch,” new strategies can be developed to keep brown fat active for longer, thus boosting its calorie-burning potential.
We can leverage these findings in several ways to benefit our clients:
The study identified the protein AC3-AT as a key regulator that switches off brown fat after activation. In experiments with mice, those lacking the AC3-AT protein remained leaner and metabolically healthier despite a high-fat diet, compared to their counterparts with normal AC3-AT levels. This suggests that blocking AC3-AT could keep brown fat active, offering a potential treatment for obesity.
We can use this information to:
Although brown fat tends to decrease with age, adults can still activate it through various methods, including cold exposure and certain physical activities. This activation can help stabilise weight loss, especially in conditions where calorie intake is high.
The discovery of AC3-AT and other unknown proteins responding to cold exposure highlights the complex regulatory mechanisms of brown fat. Further research is needed to fully understand these mechanisms and their potential therapeutic impacts.
The understanding of brown fat and its role in calorie burning offers exciting opportunities. By incorporating knowledge about brown fat activation into our clients’ fitness programmes, nutrition plans, and education, we can enhance our clients’ metabolic health and support their weight management goals. As research progresses, staying informed and adaptable will be key to leveraging these insights for the benefit of clients.
Khani, S., Topel, H., Kardinal, R. et al. Cold-induced expression of a truncated adenylyl cyclase 3 acts as rheostat to brown fat function. Nat Metab 6, 1053–1075 (2024). Click here to review the full research article
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