I know it's only barely the start of winter, but I am already sick and tired of it and this Polar Vortex nonsense. For once I would like to not feel frostbitten, but little did I know that this is a good way to lose weight! Not the frostbite, but allowing yourself to be exposed to colder temperatures.
Experts have found that by remaining in uncomfortably cold environments you can easily and healthily lose weight as opposed to being warm and cozy. Hmm, I don't know about that…
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Dr. Wouter Van Marken Lichtenbelt was the lead researcher of this latest study that looked at 10 years worth of research comparing the cold and its effect on our metabolisms. It appears that by exposing ourselves to colder temperatures, we allow our bodies to burn more calories and store them less as fat.
When our bodies shiver in cold weather it's a survival mode response intended to help us warm up. This is what led Lichtenbelt to think, "What would it mean if we let our bodies work again to control body temperature?"
In other words, instead of locking ourselves in warm homes and offices, we should allow ourselves to be cold and let our bodies respond to it naturally. A group of volunteers in Japan were exposed to 62 degree climates for two hours daily over a course of six weeks and the research found that they lost body fat during that period. In a separate study they also learned that the bodies adjusted to the colder climates the more they were exposed to it, allowing heat generating within the body to increase, and eventually making it more comfortable to handle.
As a result, the scientists believe that by making offices and homes warm during this time of year, it's actually helping obesity and other diseases. Wow, I guess there is something positive about these polar climates then.
Personally I want to do less if I'm freezing and I'm already naturally prone to being cold. While I understand that a heated room isn't that great for our systems, I know that a comfortable room gets me more motivated to move than if it's super cold. But if you don't mind it, then these sub-zero temps are the ultimate weight loss dream for you!
Image via Corbis Images
