Adipose tissue is an important metabolic organ involved in energy balance. Excess accumulation of white adipose tissue （also called energy storage fat） leads to obesity, atherosclerosis and other health problems. Thermogenic fat （including brown and beige adipose tissue） has the potential to anti-obesity by thermogenic effects which can consume calories. Documents demonstrate that brown/beige adipocytes are originated from multiple precursor cells. The present review is mainly focused on the regulatory molecular mechanisms for the formation of thermogenic fat including PRDM16, PPARγ, SIRT1 and other factors.