The outside temperature plays an important role in the fight against obesity, according to a new study. If it is cooler, a specific molecule is produced that reduces inflammation in the body and thus has a positive effect.
When it comes to the weather, many find the warmth pleasant. But cool outside temperatures have a positive influence in the fight against obesity. Researchers at the Joslin Diabetes Center and Brigham and Women’s Hospital have now found that even at a temperature of between 4 and 10 degrees, processes are set in motion in the body that reduce inflammation caused by obesity and thus improve metabolic activity. So you don’t need freezing cold for this effect – the famous «German bad weather» does it too.
Study with overweight mice
The scientists fed mice a typical high-fat Western diet until they were severely overweight. After exposing the animals to an environment of around 4.4 degrees Celsius, the researchers observed that their insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism improved. The rodents also lost weight. The scientists also noticed a significant improvement in their inflammation values. In the comparison group, which was allowed to remain in its usual warm ambient temperature, everything remained the same. The results of the study have now been published in the journal «Nature Metabolism».1
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Inflammation in the «brown adipose tissue» is reduced
The team then discovered that the essential processes took place in the so-called «brown adipose tissue». This is able to secrete molecules that communicate with other tissues. That’s why it’s also called the «good fat» because it helps break down stored energy and regulates metabolism, which ultimately leads to weight loss. «We found that when brown fat is cold, it produces the molecule maresin-2, which reduces inflammation systemically and also reduces liver damage,» study author Matthew Spite said in a statement from the Joslin Diabetes Center
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How the right outside temperature helps in the fight against obesity
Said inflammation plays an important role in severe obesity. «Ample evidence suggests that obesity and metabolic syndrome are associated with chronic inflammation,» explains co-author Yu-Hua Tseng. These promote systemic insulin resistance and thus diabetes. A lower outside temperature can interrupt the dangerous inflammation, which in turn prevents obesity. “We also discovered that exposure to cold improved metabolism. These results suggest a previously unrecognized function of brown adipose tissue in promoting resolution of inflammation in obesity.”
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Brown adipose tissue becomes active below 10 degrees Celsius
Incidentally, what applies to mice also applies to humans. Previous studies have already shown that temperatures of just 10 degrees Celsius activate brown adipose tissue. The mechanisms behind this are still unclear, but the molecule maresin 2 seems to play an important role. However, the molecule itself is rapidly broken down in the body. Tseng and colleagues are looking for a way to stabilize Maresin 2 so that it can be used as a therapy for patients with obesity, metabolic diseases or chronic inflammation. Until then, it’s important to step outside as often as possible, even in autumn and winter.