Ignite Your Body’s Natural Fat-Burning Switch with This Science-Backed Method

Photo byJorge FernándezonUnsplash

It's a stark reality that we are in the midst of a worldwide obesity crisis. Since 2016, it's no exaggeration to say that most people tip the scales in the overweight category.

Obesity, often described as a chronic inflammation state, is a major culprit in the birth of some of the most prevalent and fatal diseases that pervade households in developed nations. These include cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, dementia, and certain cancers. In 2017, obesity was the direct cause of 8% of deaths across the globe.

Regardless of how we perceive it, the situation is dire. The real tragedy, however, is that obesity is preventable and treatable with appropriate lifestyle and dietary changes. Yet, for many, embracing these changes to transform their health trajectory remains a tough challenge.

Harnessing the Power of Brown Fat

This struggle has set pharmaceutical companies in a race to devise innovative anti-obesity drugs. The goal? To provide a simple and passive solution that reverses metabolic dysfunctions and consequently wards off a host of other diseases.

In a 2020 study. researchers have uncovered an exciting potential lead for these pharmaceutical advancements: a switch that incinerates both fat and sugar. This switch is technically a receptor known as beta2-adrenergic (B2-AR), found in specific fat cells. Activating this switch prompts the release of fat molecules, which are then burned off for energy.

But, don't start queuing up for clinical trials just yet. You may be able to manipulate this switch in your own body without exposing yourself to the potential adverse effects of experimental drugs.

Every mammal carries two types of fat cells: white adipose tissue (WAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT).

WAT is the fat that noticeably clings to our midriffs and unsuccessfully seeks shelter under our chins. It's our body's energy reservoir, but it also emits hormones and other molecules into our bloodstream, which can pose health risks if abundant. Individuals with obesity tend to carry a lot of WAT, but their BAT reserves are meager compared to those of lean individuals.

BAT, though interspersed among white fat cells, is primarily concentrated in areas where warmth can benefit your whole body - much like wearing a heating pad around your neck and shoulders. Infants come equipped with a substantial amount of BAT, perhaps to defend against temperature fluctuations.

Brown fat houses an abundance of mitochondria, the tiny powerhouses in our cells that create energy. These miniature engines in brown fat are experts at producing heat and burn a significant amount of calories in the process, unlike white fat.

Until recently, it was thought that humans shed all their BAT as they aged into adulthood. However, by studying individuals under cold conditions, scientists discovered small clusters of BAT. Modern conveniences like clothing and central heating have made BAT almost obsolete due to its disuse.

But there's good news - there's a way for you to replenish your BAT reserves, ramp up your calorie burn, reduce your reliance on clothing and heating, and save some money along the way. It might not be the most comfortable route, though.

Embracing the Cold for Health Benefits

If you're already aware that BAT can regulate temperature by burning substantial calories, you might have a hunch about the key to unlocking its power.

Yes, it's about embracing the cold. While the thought might make some shudder, remember: stress fosters growth.

A 2015 study found that lowering the temperature to 66°F (19°C) for a couple of hours was sufficient to proliferate more BAT cells. In a 2019 review paper, authors pointed to five studies illustrating an increase in both sugar and fat uptake by BAT for heat production in response to acute and chronic exposure to cold temperatures.

"The cold-activated increase in BAT glucose uptake was greater than in all other tissues (brain, heart, liver, WAT, and skeletal muscle) combined," the authors stated. "BAT activation by cold exposure may have beneficial effects on obese and type 2 diabetic patients with altered lipid metabolism."

In a nutshell, BAT activity can help counter metabolic dysfunction by rapidly burning both fats and sugars. Persistent high blood sugar and fat levels constitute a serious health concern that requires attention. While dietary modifications are undoubtedly potent, adding this lifestyle tweak might give you an extra edge.

Perhaps we should rethink our pursuit of perpetual comfort. There might be more to gain from a little chill.