A chronic imbalance of energy intake and energy expenditure results in excess fat storage. The obesity often caused by this overweight is detrimental to the health of millions of people. Understanding both sides of the energy balance equation and their counter-regulatory mechanisms is critical to the development of effective therapies to treat this epidemic.

Behaviors surrounding ingestion have been reviewed extensively. This review focuses more specifically on energy expenditure regarding bodyweight control, with a particular emphasis on the organs and attractive metabolic processes known to reduce bodyweight. Additionally, previous and current attempts at anti-obesity strategies focusing on energy expenditure are highlighted. Precise measurements of energy expenditure, which consist of cellular, animal, and human models, as well as measurements of their translatability, are required to provide the most effective therapies.

A precise understanding of the components surrounding energy expenditure, including tailored approaches based on genetic, biomarker, or physical characteristics, must be integrated into future anti-obesity treatments. Further comprehensive investigations are required to define suitable treatments, especially since the complex nature of the human perspective remains poorly understood.