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Does Aging Affect Diet-Induced Thermogenesis? Revisiting the Evidence from Human Studies
Katherine Gonzalez1,2, Maria Dalamaga3, Ligang Hu2,4
1Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 26, Frederiksberg C, 1958, Denmark.
Current Obesity Reports
|June 29, 2026
Summary
Aging may not significantly alter diet-induced thermogenesis (DIT), the metabolic response to food. Shorter measurement durations in studies may falsely suggest lower DIT in older adults, highlighting the need for standardized research protocols.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Human Metabolism
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Global life expectancy is increasing, leading to a growing older adult population.
- Understanding age-related metabolic changes, including energy expenditure, is crucial.
- Diet-induced thermogenesis (DIT) is a significant component of daily energy expenditure, potentially affected by aging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review human studies on the impact of aging on DIT.
- To explore methodological and physiological factors contributing to discrepancies in DIT research across age groups.
- To determine if aging independently affects DIT.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of fourteen human studies comparing DIT in younger and older adults.
- Analysis of study methodologies, including postprandial measurement duration, body composition, and meal composition.
- Examination of potential physiological mediators such as sympathetic nervous system activity and gastric emptying.
Main Results:
- Six studies found lower DIT in older adults, while eight found no age-related differences.
- Studies using shorter postprandial measurement durations (≤240 min) reported lower DIT in older adults.
- Longer measurement protocols revealed no significant age-related differences in DIT; body composition variations did not consistently explain findings.
Conclusions:
- Methodological factors, particularly measurement duration, may influence the detection of age-related DIT differences.
- Current evidence does not conclusively support that aging per se alters DIT in humans.
- Further research with standardized protocols and appropriate statistical adjustments is needed to clarify the independent effect of aging on postprandial thermogenesis.
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