Brown fat thermogenesis

Brown fat thermogenesis is heat production by mitochondria-rich brown fat. Cold can activate brown fat, and repeated exposure can increase its thermogenic capacity. 1

1. Cold exposure and shivering: Shivering can release succinate, which acts on brown fat to increase thermogenesis and fat burning. 2
2. Browning and mitochondria: Repeated cold exposure can promote browning of beige fat and increase mitochondria in adipose tissue. This supports heat production by burning glucose and fatty acids. 3
3. Individual variation: The temperature that triggers shivering varies with cold adaptation and individual tolerance. 4
4. Søberg Principle: End deliberate cold exposure on cold, so the body must warm itself; brown fat and muscles stay engaged in heat production afterward. 5