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Determining Basal Energy Expenditure and the Capacity of Thermogenic Adipocytes to Expend Energy in Obese Mice
06:57

Determining Basal Energy Expenditure and the Capacity of Thermogenic Adipocytes to Expend Energy in Obese Mice

Published on: November 11, 2021

Clinical significance of adaptive thermogenesis

G C Major1, E Doucet, P Trayhurn

  • 1Division de kinésiologie, Département de médecine sociale et préventive, Université Laval, Ste-Foy, Québec, Canada.

International Journal of Obesity (2005)
|January 30, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Obesity interventions often fail due to adaptive thermogenesis, a decrease in energy expenditure beyond predictions. Environmental factors like organochlorine levels and sleep apnea can worsen this effect, hindering weight loss.

Area of Science:

  • Metabolic research
  • Obesity science
  • Environmental health

Background:

  • The global obesity epidemic outpaces effective intervention strategies, evidenced by low success rates in weight management.
  • The body's tendency to defend a genetically influenced set point complicates weight loss efforts.
  • Adaptive thermogenesis, a decrease in energy expenditure (EE) beyond predicted levels during calorie restriction, is a key factor in intervention failure.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of adaptive thermogenesis in the limited success of obesity interventions.
  • To explore potential environmental factors influencing adaptive thermogenesis.
  • To inform health professionals about multi-causal adaptive thermogenesis in vulnerable individuals.

Main Methods:

  • Review of studies documenting decreased energy expenditure in obese individuals undergoing weight reduction.
  • Analysis of adaptive thermogenesis in relation to changes in fat mass and fat-free mass.
  • Consideration of environmental factors, including plasma organochlorine concentration and obstructive sleep apnea.

Main Results:

  • Obese individuals in weight reduction programs exhibit greater-than-predicted decreases in EE.
  • This adaptive thermogenesis can counteract prescribed energy deficits, impacting weight loss and maintenance.
  • Environmental factors like organochlorines and sleep apnea may exacerbate adaptive thermogenesis.

Conclusions:

  • Adaptive thermogenesis is a significant barrier to successful weight loss and maintenance.
  • Environmental factors can influence adaptive thermogenesis, complicating weight management.
  • Health professionals must recognize multi-causal adaptive thermogenesis in certain patients, which can undermine dietary efforts.

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