Brown fat: the ally against obesity and metabolic diseases. New insights into treating obesity through brown fat and associated proteins

Researchers at Southern Danish University have found that activating healthy brown fat in the body can help protect against obesity. The number of people living with obesity is expected to reach 4 billion by 2050. Obesity can harm overall health and increase the risk of many diseases, so researchers are looking for ways to combat the condition.

Brown fat, which stores small amounts of fat, can convert calories from food into heat, which is then “lost” to the body. Activating brown fat can turn calories from food, which is beneficial for obesity and cardiometabolic disease, unlike white fat, which is much less able to do this

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Brown fat activation protects against obesity

Researchers have discovered a protein called AC3-AT, which is responsible for “turning off” the activation of brown fat. This protein is unique to brown fat and is created when activated by cold exposure in mice and humans. This helps shut down the beneficial properties of brown fat, increasing calorie utilization and metabolic activation.

Inactivating AC3-AT could release this “pause” in brown fat activation and make brown fat active for longer periods. A mouse model was used to test the theory, and mice with AC3-AT deleted from their genome were protected from obesity. This suggests that inactivation of AC3-AT may lead to weight loss and improved metabolic health in obesity.

Other approaches in humans include antibodies, RNA-based drugs, and small molecules. Jan-Wilhelm Kornfeld, professor and co-founder of the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Adipocyte Signaling, believes that AC3-AT is only the tip of the iceberg and that there may be many other cold-inducible proteins with elusive functions. One such protein is PGC1-ATT-entrusted source, which regulates mitochondria, a crucial gene for cellular powerhouses.

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Brown fat and obesity

Brown fat is most abundant in humans, helping to keep them warm during childhood. As we age, the amount of brown fat decreases, with adults having small amounts in areas such as the shoulders, neck, spinal cord, kidneys and heart, according to MedicalNewsToday.

Previous studies have explored the activation of brown fat to reduce weight and protect against obesity, with studies indicating that it improves metabolism and could be targeted for obesity and diabetes treatments. Cold exposure and exercise can trigger brown fat, and an October 2023 study identified the specific nerve pathways needed to activate brown fat.

Brown fat levels in adults

Brown fat, a type of fat that helps protect against obesity, is not currently widely accepted. However, studies have shown that the decline of brown fat can be delayed by pharmaceutical and environmental approaches, such as cold exposure and certain medications. Because these drugs have strong side effects, researchers are exploring safer ways to restore brown fat activity, especially in obesity and old age, or to prevent its loss throughout life.

Current studies are exploring ways to increase brown fat levels in adults through exercise or the use of certain drugs, such as thiazolidinediones and GLP-1 agonists. However, brown fat is not produced in fetuses and can only be developed as individuals age. To stimulate brown fat cells, people can use methods such as applying ice to areas such as the shoulders or cold water baths.

While these methods can be helpful, it is crucial that people make the right food choices to achieve successful weight loss. The bottom line is that while these methods can be helpful, it’s essential that people make the right food choices to maintain weight loss.

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