Cold Exposure Found to Speed Up Weight Loss
Many people wonder whether shivering helps in weight loss, and surprisingly, science suggests it might. When your body is exposed to cold temperatures, it works harder to stay warm. As a result, several internal processes activate, some of which can support calorie burning and fat metabolism.
How Cold Exposure Triggers Thermogenesis
When the temperature drops, your body begins to produce heat through a process known as thermogenesis. This natural response requires extra energy, which means your body burns more calories than usual in order to maintain a stable internal temperature.
White Fat vs Brown Fat: What’s the Difference?
- White Fat: The “Stored Energy” Fat: It stores excess calories and can accumulate when energy intake exceeds energy burn. Too much white fat is linked to weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
- Brown Fat: The “Active” Fat: In contrast, brown fat is metabolically active. It burns calories to create heat and helps regulate metabolism. Lean individuals typically have more brown fat than people with higher body weight. Because of this, researchers have long been interested in ways to activate or increase brown fat activity.
Does Shivering Help in Weight Loss? What Research Says
Evidence suggests yes, under certain conditions, shivering helps in weight loss by activating brown fat and increasing calorie burn.
- A 2012 study in The Journal of Clinical Investigation found that brown fat in adults becomes highly active when stimulated, especially in cold environments. During shivering, brown fat “switches on” and burns energy to generate heat.
- Another 2014 study in Cell Metabolism discovered that shivering triggers the release of irisin, a hormone that helps transform white fat into metabolically active brown-like fat.
Researchers even estimate that 15 minutes of shivering can match the metabolic effects of one hour of moderate exercise.
Cold Therapy Options: Shivering Without Freezing Outdoors
If standing outside in icy weather doesn’t appeal to you, there are alternatives designed to mimic this cold-induced calorie burn.
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Whole-Body Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy involves stepping into a very cold chamber for a few minutes. Early findings suggest it may:
- Improve cholesterol levels
- Help balance blood glucose
- Reduce waist circumference
Ice-Vest Therapy
Special ice-pack vests are another method. These vests mildly cool the body and may help burn up to 250 calories per hour, according to some commercial claims.
While results vary from person to person, these options show how controlled cold exposure can stimulate brown fat activity, one of the reasons shivering helps in weight loss for some individuals.
Conclusion
Although it may sound unusual, brief exposure to cold long enough to cause mild shivering can temporarily increase calorie burning and activate brown fat. However, it is not a replacement for regular exercise, balanced nutrition, or medical treatment.
Always consult a healthcare provider before trying cold-based therapies, especially if you have underlying medical conditions.
Source:Â Inputs from various media SourcesÂ
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
- Health News and Updates,People Forum
- 29 November 2025
- 09:00
