Study Reveals Exposure to Routine Cold Temperatures Helps Lose Weight

JAKARTA - Regular exposure to cold temperatures, such as using a cooling vest or taking a cold shower, has the potential to help lose weight. This finding was revealed in a recent study involving overweight and obese adults.

Research conducted by researchers from the University of Nottingham and Leiden University Medical Center shows that exposure to cold temperatures can help the body burn more calories by activating brown fat, a type of fat that functions to generate body heat.

In the study, 47 adult participants with obesity or overweight were divided into two groups. Half of the participants were asked to wear ice vests and waist protectors for two hours every morning while still carrying out daily activities. The cooling device contains gel that has been frozen overnight and maintains a temperature of around 15 degrees Celsius.

The results of the study showed that within six weeks, the group using the cooling vest experienced an average weight loss of about 0.9 kilograms, most of which came from body fat. On the other hand, the control group actually experienced an average weight gain of about 0.6 kilograms.

The lead researcher from the Leiden University Medical Center, Dr. Mariëtte Boon said this study was one of the first studies to explore the long-term effects of cold exposure on overweight individuals.

"This is one of the first studies to look at the impact of cold exposure over a long period of time on overweight and obese people," said Dr Mariëtte Boon, quoted from The Guardian website.

According to Boon, the use of cooling vests can be a simple and relatively inexpensive addition to support weight loss programs that still prioritize healthy diets and physical activity.

"This kind of vest can be used at home, so that cold exposure can be a simple and inexpensive addition to lifestyle strategies for weight loss, such as healthy eating and physical activity," he said.

Meanwhile, one of the study's authors from the University of Nottingham, Prof Helen Budge, explained that daily cold temperatures can stimulate brown fat activity which helps the body burn fat reserves to produce heat.

"Daily cold exposure activates brown fat, which uses body fat reserves to generate heat," said Prof. Helen Budge.

Prof Helen added that regular exposure to cold may also provide additional benefits for metabolic health, including blood fat levels, blood sugar, and inflammation related to heart disease risk.

In addition to the use of cooling vests, researchers are now also testing the effectiveness of cold water bathing on weight loss. A follow-up study in the Netherlands is being conducted on 34 women, in which some participants are asked to take a bath with the coldest temperature for 90 seconds every morning.

However, researchers warn that bathing in cold water or swimming at low temperatures cannot yet be considered the main solution for weight loss. Cold exposure is considered more effective when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise.

The study was presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Istanbul and opens up new opportunities for a simple approach to support weight loss.