The benefits of BROWN FAT

Brown fat is a great ally in the battle against obesity and metabolic syndrome. Here's how it works, and how best to harness its power to boost your health and wellbeing - while always staying safe.

- LUCY BARRATT

The Danish city of Copenhagen is home to a stateof-the-art research lab headed up by Dr Susanna Søberg, a metabolic scientist whose groundbreaking work on brown fat has garnered international acclaim. The lab’s work has become a beacon of hope for people battling obesity and metabolic disorders around the world.

Dr Søberg’s interest in brown fat began during her early years as a medical student. Fascinated by the body’s ability to regulate temperature, she delved into the study of adipose tissues. ‘I was always intrigued by how our bodies maintain balance,’ she says. ‘The discovery of brown fat’s role in thermogenesis was a revelation.’

Brown fat, unlike white fat, is a type of fat that burns energy to produce heat. This process, known as thermogenesis, is crucial for maintaining body temperature in cold environments. The bottom line is, while white fat stores energy, leading to weight gain, brown fat burns calories, making it a potential ally in the fight against obesity.

We used to believe that only infants had brown fat, but Dr Søberg’s research has shown that it’s also present – if reduced – in adults. ‘Our studies have revealed that adults also possess brown fat, and it can be activated under certain conditions,’ she says.

One of the most significant findings from Dr Søberg’s lab is the role of cold exposure in activating brown fat. ‘Cold exposure can increase brown fat activity, leading to improved metabolism,’ she says. Her experiments involved exposing participants to cold temperatures and measuring their brown fat activity using advanced imaging techniques. The results were astounding. ‘We observed a significant increase in brown fat activity and metabolic rate in those exposed to cold.’