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Women exhibit different thermoregulatory responses to meal and cold stimuli compared to men independently of energy expenditure and body composition

delete2026-08-10
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PRE
AI
J
Juan M. A. Alcántara *
P
Pontus Henriksson
Á
Ángel Herraiz-Adillo
L
Lucas Jurado-Fasoli
F
Francisco J. Amaro-Gahete
B
Borja Martinez-Tellez
J
Jonatan R. Ruiz *
DOI:10.1007/s00394-026-04073-wdelete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Meal-induced thermogenesis (MIT) and cold-induced thermogenesis (CIT) are components of adaptive thermogenesis, both potential contributors to energy balance and body composition. This study examined sex differences in thermogenic and thermoregulatory responses to a meal and to cold exposure, and evaluated their associations with body composition in young adults. Sixty-three adults (68% women) with valid MIT data, and forty-eight (63% women) with valid CIT data were included. Energy expenditure (EE) was assessed via indirect calorimetry during standardized meal and cold exposure tests. Body composition was determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Skin temperature was continuously monitored using wireless sensors. EE increased after both meal intake and cold exposure (both P < 0.01) in men and women. During MIT, women exhibited higher mean and proximal skin temperatures than men (P < 0.04). Similar differences were observed during CIT (P < 0.03). MIT and CIT were not associated with body composition parameters (all P > 0.05). CIT was positively associated with supraclavicular skin temperature (R2 = 0.21, β = 0.32, P = 0.05), while no associations were observed for MIT and skin temperature (all P > 0.10). Despite similar EE during MIT and CIT, women show higher skin temperatures during both tests, suggesting greater thermoregulatory efficiency. Supraclavicular skin temperature may serve as a non-invasive physiological indicator of CIT.
Keywords:
Metabolism
Brown adipose tissue
Non-shivering thermogenesis
Indirect calorimetry
Adiposity

Journal

European Journal of Nutrition cover
European Journal of Nutrition
IF:
4.3
Papers:
4.5K
Citations:
1.3W

Organization

F
Faculty of Education Sciences
Scholars:
15
Papers: 9
Citations: 0
D
Department of Health
Scholars:
361
Papers: 177
Citations: 262
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