Methods and compositions for modulating adipocyte function

1. A method of decreasing fat stores or weight in a subject, the method comprising identifying a subject in need of decreasing fat stores or weight, and administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a composition consisting essentially of a bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP-7) in an amount sufficient to promote BAT differentiation in the subject and further comprising administering to the subject a FGF.