Brown adipose tissue, which was thought to disappear after infancy, is a hot topic. These fat stores convert excess energy into heat, which can have a positive effect on weight loss. Researchers believe that the more brown fat stores someone has, the better, which is why they are currently searching for ways to make more of it. Two proven methods of doing so include reducing the core body temperature by turning down the thermostat a few degrees at home and by stimulating the sympathetic nervous system. 

‘We now believe that brown adipose tissue is healthy,’ says Schrauwen. ‘If further studies confirm the beneficial effects of activating brown fat, we want to find ways to actually do it – perhaps with the help of medication. This will first be tested on animals. We’ve found that the bile acid approach, which was effective in test animals, also works in humans. This proof of concept study confirms the underlying principle, but the effects do not allow for the pills to be administered as a form of treatment. Further research is required before this can happen.’

The publication, titled, ‘The bile acid chenodeoxycholic increases human brown adipose tissue activity’ has been published online in Cell Metabolism.