Role of adaptive thermogenesis in unsuccessful weight-loss intervention

Numerous studies have been performed to examine the existence of a relationship between a weak thermogenic potential and the risk of developing obesity. These studies used a large variety of methodological approaches that have frequently revealed a potential physiological vulnerability in obesity-prone individuals. However, from a quantitative standpoint, they have not allowed the demonstration of differences or experimental effects that could explain large variations in energy balance. As discussed in this paper, a definition of adaptive thermogenesis as being a greater than predicted change in energy expenditure in response to changes in energy balance leads to clinically meaningful observations. This is particularly the case in the context of a weight-reducing program in which adaptive changes in thermogenesis can be sufficient to compensate for a prescribed decrease in daily energy intake. This paper also presents evidence suggesting that these thermogenic adaptations might indirectly contribute to the protection of body homeostasis by attenuating the decrease in the dilution space of some lipid-soluble pollutants.