The post on the research in thermogenesis and carbohydrate versus fat in
the diet elicited some comment.  In general, diet induced thermogenesis is
a minor factor in staying lean.

I do think it is true that cold-induced thermogenesis (shivering) is a
useful tool; besides, I like to do things outside in cool weather.
Another, often overlooked factor, is that aging tends to reduce
cold-induced thermogenesis, in part because this capacity is diminished if
one lives in a warm and cozy way.  But, equally important, is the
oxidative damage done to the brown adipose tissue (BAT) over time.
Antioxidants protect against this damage, whether gotten in the diet
through fruits and vegetables, or taken in a good formulation as I do.

It is true that small variations in energy expenditure bring large effects
on a long time scale.  Most people creep up on obesity over the course of
years.  Once there, losing the fat can be difficult and dieting is sure to
fail in all but a handful of individuals.

It is better never to become fat, which is easy.

Arthur De Vany
Professor
Economics and Mathematical Behavioral Sciences
University of California
Irvine, CA 92697-5100
949-824-5269
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http://aris.ss.uci.edu/econ/personnel/devany/devany.html