Figure 4.

The physiological significance of adipose tissue thermogenesis and browning in different stages of exercise adaptation. In the early stage of acute exercise and long-term exercise, BAT increases thermogenesis to expend energy and raise the core temperature, which accelerates the body to adapt to exercise (warming up). In the late stage of acute exercise with an increased core temperature and depleted energy substrates, or in the late stage of long-term exercise training with the saving of energy substrates, BAT thermogenesis will be gradually lowered (cooling down). Beige adipose tissue is more responsive to exercise and more suitable for exercise, due to its greater oxidative capacity and more active metabolism. Thus, the increased adipose tissue browning is an adaptation upon exercise stimulation.