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Updated: Aug 7, 2026
06:57
Determining Basal Energy Expenditure and the Capacity of Thermogenic Adipocytes to Expend Energy in Obese Mice
Published on: November 11, 2021
Energy expenditure during overfeeding
Annemiek M C P Joosen1, Klaas R Westerterp
1Department of Human Biology, Maastricht University, P,O, Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands. a.joosen@hb.unimaas.nl
Nutrition & Metabolism
|July 14, 2006
Summary
Evidence for adaptive thermogenesis during overfeeding in humans is inconsistent. While some studies suggest it, others show weight gain proportional to energy intake, indicating no significant adaptive thermogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Human physiology
- Metabolic studies
- Energy balance research
Background:
- Individual variations in weight gain during overfeeding suggest differences in energy expenditure regulation.
- Adaptive thermogenesis, the regulated heat production in response to stimuli, may play a role in metabolic efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and extent of adaptive thermogenesis in human overfeeding experiments.
- To reconcile conflicting findings regarding adaptive thermogenesis in response to excess energy intake.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and selection of human overfeeding studies with suitable protocols and measurement techniques.
- Analysis of reported weight gain, energy expenditure, and thermogenesis data in selected studies.
Main Results:
- Five studies reported evidence for adaptive thermogenesis, citing lower-than-expected weight gain or increased thermogenesis.
- Eleven studies found no adaptive thermogenesis, with weight gain proportional to overfeeding and thermogenesis linked to increased body mass and intake.
- Overall evidence for adaptive thermogenesis in humans during overfeeding remains inconsistent.
Conclusions:
- The existence of adaptive thermogenesis in humans during overfeeding cannot be definitively ruled out.
- If present, adaptive changes in energy expenditure may be too small to reliably measure due to inherent limitations and variability.
- Further research is needed to identify the specific components of energy expenditure where adaptive changes occur and to address measurement challenges.
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