Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is a specialized type of adipose (fat) tissue primarily found in mammals, including humans. Unlike white adipose tissue, which stores energy in the form of triglycerides, BAT is specialized for thermogenesis, the generation of heat. This tissue is rich in mitochondria, which contain iron-rich proteins that give it its brown color and enable it to efficiently burn calories to generate heat. This process is particularly important in newborns and hibernating animals to maintain body temperature.
In humans, BAT was traditionally thought to be most abundant in infants, but recent research has identified its presence and metabolic significance in adults as well. BAT is primarily located in the neck, supraclavicular, and paravertebral regions. Its activation can be stimulated by cold exposure or certain hormones, such as catecholamines. The role of BAT in adult humans is of increasing interest due to its potential implications for energy balance and metabolic health. Studies suggest that individuals with higher BAT activity may have better glucose metabolism and lower body mass index (BMI), making it a focus of research into obesity and diabetes treatments.