Body Mass Index as a Determinant of Brown Adipose Tissue Function in Healthy Children

ObjectiveTo determine whether body mass index (BMI) percentile and ethnicity influence skin temperature overlying brown adipose tissue (BAT) depots in the supraclavicular region in healthy children.Study designInfrared thermography measured supraclavicular region temperature (TSCR) at baseline and after exposure to a mild cool stimulus (single hand immersion in water at 20.1°C) for 5 minutes in children aged 6-11 years (n = 55). The studies were undertaken in a normal school environment.ResultsBMI percentile and ethnicity were significant predictors of baseline TSCR, with an inverse relationship between BMI percentile persisting after adjustment for ethnicity. Twenty-four children demonstrated a significant rise in TSCR after exposure to the cool stimulus. BMI percentile was a significant predictor of TSCR response, although there was no effect of ethnicity on TSCR change after exposure to the cool stimulus.ConclusionWe have demonstrated a negative relationship between BMI percentile and both baseline TSCR, colocating with the primary region of BAT, and the change in TSCR in response to the cool stimulus. Future studies aimed at determining the primary factors regulating BAT function in healthy children should be targeted at the goal of maintaining a healthy BMI trajectory during childhood.