Brown adipose tissue (BAT), also referred to as brown fat, exhibits high thermogenic capacity, aiding mammals in maintaining body temperature. Preclinical investigations have highlighted BAT’s pivotal role in adapting to high-fat diets and excessive caloric intake, thus mitigating the risk of obesity. Approximately a decade ago, the discovery of metabolically active BAT in adult humans sparked significant interest. Subsequent research has focused on elucidating whether BAT, akin to its role in rodents, contributes significantly to the pathogenesis of obesity and related metabolic disorders.
The BATON study represents a novel endeavor to elucidate BAT’s response to overfeeding in humans. In this study, 20 healthy adults will be randomized into two groups. The control group will adhere to a meticulously controlled diet to maintain weight stability over a five-week period, while the experimental group will be subjected to a diet providing a 40% surplus in caloric intake beyond their energy requirements for the same duration. Pre- and post-intervention assessments will encompass quantification and characterization of BAT utilizing advanced imaging modalities such as positron emission tomography and computed tomography. Additionally, histological and molecular analyses, alongside assessment of mitochondrial respiration capacity via biopsy analysis, will be conducted. Various parameters pertaining to energy balance, including resting energy expenditure, energy efficiency, energy intake, and appetite regulation, will also be evaluated.
