Modern heating may contribute to obesity

LONDON, Feb. 4 (UPI) -- British researchers suggest today's comfort created by modern heating may be linked to today's obesity epidemic.

Researchers at University College London say their review of British and U.S. studies indicates the idea of linking the rise of obesity with the "homogenizing" of temperature -- more and more time being spent in mild temperatures -- may have biological plausibility.

The review, published in the journal Obesity Reviews, suggests reducing exposure to cold may lower the body's capacity to burn fat as well as lower the need for energy expenditure to stay warm.

The researchers point out production of "brown fat" -- brown adipose tissue that differs from white fat in its capacity to burn energy to create heat -- may be triggered by exposure to cold. Less exposure to cold may mean less brown fat and less capacity to burn energy, the researchers say.

"Research into the environmental drivers behind obesity, rather than the genetic ones, has tended to focus on diet and exercise -- which are undoubtedly the major contributors," lead author Dr. Fiona Johnson says in a statement. "However, it is possible that other environmental factors, such as winter indoor temperatures, may also have a contributing role. This research therefore raises the possibility for new public health strategies to address the obesity epidemic."