The inability to create sufficient core body heat could be linked to the obesity epidemic, according to a recent study.

Researchers found that obesity is associated with a significant reduction of body core temperature during daytime hours. The reduced ability of obese people to spend energy as heat compared to lean individuals could result in long term weight gain, according to the study Journal Editor Francesco Portaluppi.

Originally understood as an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure, obesity is viewed in this article by comparing the body core temperature of obese subjects to lean, healthy controls.

The study concluded that a significantly reduced temperature was much more prevalent in the obese subjects. This biological handicap, the authors believe, can predispose subjects to becoming obese.

"Since body core temperature represents a marker of energy expenditure, results from this study suggest that a diurnal thermogenic handicap can play a crucial role in favoring weight gain in obese subjects," Pietro Cortelli, co-author of the study, said in a statement.

Cortelli stresses the importance of this study, which strongly supports the possibility of a new therapeutic target for the treatment of obesity.

Although there will be more studies needed, Portaluppi said this study can open the door for more innovative ways to treat obesity.

The findings are detailed in this year's second issue of Chronobiology International.