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Cold exposure activates brown adipose tissue and increases energy expenditure

Landmark study demonstrating mild cold exposure (17°C for 2 hours) activates brown adipose tissue, increasing energy expenditure by 250-350 kcal/day in healthy adults.

Energy Expenditure

  • BAT activation: 100% increase
  • Energy expenditure: +250-350 kcal/day
  • Individual variation: 10-fold

Chronic Effects

Repeated cold exposure increases BAT activity and mass by 30-40%.

Outcomes

  • Brown Adipose Tissue (BAT) Activity
    100
  • Energy Expenditure
    300
    kcal/day (Kilocalories per Day)
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