Examining the benefits of cold exposure as a therapeutic strategy for obesity and type 2 diabetes.

The pathogenesis of metabolic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes are characterized by a progressive dysregulation in energy partitioning, often leading to end-organ complications. One emerging approach proposed to target this metabolic dysregulation is the application of mild cold exposure. In healthy individuals, cold exposure can increase energy expenditure and whole body glucose and fatty acid utilization.

The influence of a moderate temperature drift on thermal physiology and perception.

Humans spend approximately 80-90% of their time indoors. In current practice, indoor temperatures in many buildings are controlled very tightly. However, allowing more variation in indoor temperature results in more energy-efficient buildings and could potentially improve human metabolic and cardiovascular health.