I ran across some interesting research on obesity out of University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University. They are experimenting with patches (specifically a degradable micro-needle patch loaded with nano-particles containing the experimental drug that is applied to the skin of mice). The drugs used were rosiglitazone and a beta-adrenergic receptor agonist. The goal of the research was to turn white fat cells into energy burning brown fat cells. The white fat stores energy in the form of triglycerides whereas brown fat actually takes energy and turns it into heat. Researchers observed a 20 percent fat reduction utilizing either of the two drugs and these results were similar in lean versus obese mice, improved fasting blood sugar and a 20 percent increase in energy consumption. Again these experiments were with mice. One should recognize that what is observed in mice does not necessarily translate into humans.

https://www.acsh.org/news/2017/09/15/being-tan-makes-you-look-thinner-–-tanning-fat-makes-you-thinner-11836

Wow!

I wonder how this would effect overall health. When brown fat was discovered it was because the fat was burning so hot (due to a chemical the men were mining) that it killed them. I wonder if we have more brown fat if it will eventually cause harm after the excess white fat is burned? Is there a way to turn it back?