Question

How does thermogenesis help prevent obesity?

Short answer

Obesity is prevented by thermogenesis as it burns the fat molecule and converts it into heat energy.

Step-by-step solution

Obesity

Obesity is the excess body fat associated with a significant increase in mortality and reduced life expectancy by up to ten years. It is measured by body mass index (BMI).

Preventing obesity

The body prevents obesity by thermogenesis, i.e., production of heat which is increased by a high energy intake.

The beige fat cells play a role in preventing obesity, and exercising muscle promotes the development of beige adipocytes by releasing an irisin (112-residue peptide hormone).

Exercise helps to reduce weight gain by using two methods:

• Using food calories to power muscle contraction.
• Promoting the conversion of excess calories to heat rather than fat.