How does cold exposure affect brown fat?

Cold exposure can significantly affect brown fat by increasing its activity, known as thermogenesis, and enhancing its capability to regulate body temperature and metabolism. Andrew Huberman explains that cold exposure triggers an increase in brown fat stores and the number of mitochondria within these fat cells, enhancing their ability to generate heat and burn fats, including unhealthy white adipose tissue 1 2. Additionally, shivering induced by cold exposure releases a molecule called succinate, which stimulates brown fat thermogenesis and increases brown fat, thereby enhancing the body's heat production and overall metabolism 3.