Overweight People Not Capable of Beige-fat Conversion

Exposure to cold temperatures can convert white fat tissue from the thighs and belly to beige fat that burns calories for heat, but in a new study, researchers found that this biological response is hampered in obese people. Belly fat samples were analyzed to see if there was a difference in response among lean and obese people. The analysis revealed that the seasonal effect of fat browning was blunted in obese people. Endocrine Society’s Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, Oct. 2014