Thermogenesis is the name given to the process of heat generation by the cells. Thermo (heat) + Genesis (creation). Your body generates heat in order to maintain your body temperature or increase it when external temperatures drop. This heat can be produced by exercise or non-exercise methods. The best example of thermogenesis by non-exercise methods is shivering. Non-Exercise Associated Thermogenesis (NEAT) is brought about when the cells burn brown adipose tissue (brown fat) present in the body to produce heat. As such, thermogenesis is seen as an effective weight loss method. Therefore, although the body can set this mechanism off on its own when the need arises, many individuals will induce thermogenesis by artificial means, through certain foods in order to speed up losing weight.
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