High body weight associated with impaired nonshivering thermogenesis but improved glucose tolerance in Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus)

► High body weight (HBW) gerbils displayed decrease in nonshivering thermogenesis. ► No variations of SIRT1 and COX4 expressions were found in BAT and muscle. ► HBW gerbils showed surprising increase in glucose tolerance. ► Serum leptin levels were negatively correlated with UCP1. ► Leptin is potentially involved in thermogenesis regulation and glucose metabolism.