When Ed Sheeran sang about getting "the shivers" in his romantic lyrics, he probably didn't realize he was describing a potential weight loss mechanism. For people on weight loss journeys, experiencing those chills might actually be beneficial for their health and fitness goals.
The Science Behind Cold and Calorie Burn
When temperatures drop, our bodies work harder to maintain internal temperature through a process called thermogenesis. This natural mechanism causes the body to burn more calories simply to stay warm. The key players in this process are two types of fat stored in our bodies: white fat and brown fat.
White fat is often called "bad fat" because it accumulates when we consume more calories than we burn. Excessive white fat can lead to weight gain, obesity, and significantly increase the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
In contrast, brown fat is considered "good fat" as it fuels the body with energy and regulates metabolism. Lean individuals tend to have more brown fat than overweight people, prompting scientists to explore ways to convert white fat stores into brown fat.
Shivering as Natural Exercise
Does shivering genuinely contribute to weight loss? Research provides compelling evidence. A 2012 study published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation demonstrated that brown adipose tissue in adult humans becomes metabolically highly active when stimulated physiologically.
Shivering occurs when the body reacts to cold temperatures, and this physical response can activate brown fat to burn calories and generate heat. Another 2014 study in Cell Metabolism revealed that shivering stimulates the secretion of the hormone irisin, which induces fat burning.
Remarkably, researchers found that 15 minutes of shivering in cold conditions provides the physiological equivalent of moderate exercise for one hour, making it an intriguing alternative for calorie burning.
Modern Applications of Cold Therapy
While standing outside in cold weather might seem like the obvious way to induce shivering, modern science has developed more comfortable methods. Cryotherapy involves standing in a freezing chamber for a few minutes and has been shown to lower cholesterol and blood glucose levels while reducing waistline measurements.
Other innovative treatments include wearing specialized vests loaded with ice packs, which manufacturers claim can burn up to 250 calories per hour without the discomfort of full-body exposure to cold temperatures.
For those seeking natural approaches, simply braving 15 minutes of cooler temperatures might be worth the calorie-burning benefits. However, it's crucial to remember that any new health regimen should be approached with caution and professional guidance.
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment and before changing your diet or supplement regimen.
