We show that BMP7 markedly stimulates BAT volume and activity in mice only at subthermoneutral temperature, accompanied by a reduction in diet-induced obesity, liver lipid accumulation, dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia, and an altering of the M1/M2 balance in BAT and WAT towards increased anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages. The gene discussed is BMP7; the disease is obesity due to melanocortin 4 receptor deficiency.