Energy balance depends on the precise regulation of food intake, fat storage and energy expenditure. Brown fat is well known as a special type of fat tissue engaging non-shivering thermogenesis as a unique mode of energy expenditure. This serves to defend body temperature in the cold but may also contribute to diet-induced thermogenesis. Our recent findings demonstrate that brown fat activation during feeding relays information to the brain in the control of food intake. Therefore, brown fat has a dual function in energy balance affecting both energy intake and expenditure.

IPHYS Contact Person: Jan Kopecký, jan.kopecky@fgu.cas.cz