Here’s How Climate Temperatures Might Affect Obesity Risk
A fascinating new study in Nature Metabolism suggests how climate temperatures might affect obesity risk in a surprising way – at conception. Takeshi Yoneshiro and colleagues conducted a careful study of the potential effects of climate on obesity risk. They found that obesity is less likely when conception occurs during cold seasons.
In a commentary published with the research, Raffaele Teperino explains the hypothesis this work supports:
“Cold exposure leaves a signal in spermatozoa that – when inherited at fertilization – enables robust developmental programs for better metabolic adaptations to diet and cold.”
Programming for Brown Adipose Tissue
In this study, researchers explored how environmental conditions at the time of conception might influence brown fat activity. And thus energy metabolism in humans. They discovered that individuals conceived during colder seasons tend to have more active brown adipose tissue (BAT). This is fat tissue responsible for burning calories to generate heat. They linked BAT activity to higher daily energy expenditure, lower BMI, and reduced visceral fat.
The findings suggest that exposure to cold temperatures around the time of fertilization may epigenetically program offspring for enhanced BAT function. That epigenetic programming potentially offers protection against obesity and metabolic diseases later in life. Meteorological analyses indicated that both lower average temperatures and greater temperature fluctuations during the conception period were key factors influencing this effect. Overall, the study highlights the significance of early environmental factors in shaping long-term metabolic health.
Is a Warmer Climate Obesogenic?
This begs, but does not answer, a question. Does a warmer climate favor more obesity? Much work remains to sort out how climate temperatures might affect obesity risk. But it is not a question we should ignore.
Click here for the study and here for the commentary that goes with it. For further speculation about obesity and climate change, click here.
Ice House, Coldwell, Lake Superior, painting by Lawren Harris / WikiArt
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April 12, 2025
