A recent study suggests that wearing an ice vest or taking daily cold showers could help individuals lose weight. Researchers from the University of Nottingham and Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) in the Netherlands investigated the effects of regular cold exposure on 47 adults with obesity or overweight.
Study Details and Findings
Participants wore an ice vest and waist wrap for two hours each morning, maintaining a temperature of 15°C. After six weeks, they lost an average of 0.9kg (2lb), primarily from body fat. In contrast, the control group gained 0.6kg (1.3lb). The findings were presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Istanbul.
How Cold Exposure Works
Lead researcher Dr. Mariëtte Boon explained that cold exposure activates brown fat, which uses body fat stores to generate heat. This process may increase calorie burning and improve metabolic health. Co-author Prof. Helen Budge noted that regular cold exposure could have positive effects on lipids, glucose, and inflammation, potentially reducing cardiovascular disease risk.
Practical Applications
The cooling vests are designed for home use, making cold exposure a simple addition to weight loss strategies. The researchers are also studying whether cold showers can produce similar benefits, with a separate trial involving 34 women who take 90-second cold showers daily. While cold swimming might have comparable effects, experts caution that cold shock from jumping into cold water could trigger different physiological responses.
Dr. Boon emphasized that individuals can choose a cold exposure method that fits their routine, whether through vests, showers, or other means. The study was jointly funded by the Dutch Heart Foundation and the British Heart Foundation, with ongoing research exploring the potential of cold exposure to combat obesity and heart disease.
