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Updated: Jul 25, 2025

Determining Basal Energy Expenditure and the Capacity of Thermogenic Adipocytes to Expend Energy in Obese Mice
Published on: November 11, 2021
CCE and EODF as two distinct non-shivering thermogenesis models inducing weight loss
Tianyi Xu1, Juan Wang2, Hongwei Shi1
1College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, People's Republic of China.
Chronic cold exposure and intermittent fasting promote weight loss by enhancing fat metabolism and insulin sensitivity. These physical methods activate non-shivering thermogenesis in adipose tissue, offering insights into effective weight management strategies.
Area of Science:
- Metabolic research
- Obesity studies
- Thermogenesis mechanisms
Background:
- Weight loss is commonly achieved through increased energy expenditure or reduced intake.
- The precise mechanisms by which physical methods induce weight loss in adipose tissue remain incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distinct thermogenic pathways activated by chronic cold exposure (CCE) and every-other-day fasting (EODF).
- To elucidate the role of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), creatine pathway, and FGF21-adiponectin axis in CCE and EODF-induced weight loss.
- To detail the metabolic benefits and adipose tissue changes associated with these physical weight loss interventions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized chronic cold exposure (CCE) and every-other-day fasting (EODF) as long-term weight loss models in animal studies.
- Monitored changes in body temperature and metabolism.
- Investigated non-shivering thermogenesis in white and brown adipose tissue via SNS, creatine pathway, and FGF21-adiponectin signaling.
Main Results:
- Both CCE and EODF reduced body weight and improved insulin sensitivity.
- These methods promoted white fat browning and increased endogenous FGF21 expression in adipose tissue.
- CCE activated the SNS and brown fat thermogenesis, while EODF enhanced protein kinase activity in white fat.
Conclusions:
- CCE and EODF represent effective physical strategies for weight loss, influencing adipose tissue function and metabolism.
- These interventions modulate non-shivering thermogenesis through distinct pathways, contributing to metabolic improvements.
- The study provides a detailed understanding of the thermogenic mechanisms underlying physical weight loss methods.
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