Experts say cold temperatures could be you new fat-burning hack: How shivering burns calories

As winter settles in, the sane ones among us dread the dropping temperatures and the extra layers of clothing that rustle like a plastic bag full of snakeskins and have impossibly difficult pocket zips. But put your coat away; scientists say there may well be a silver lining to it all: cold exposure and even the act of shivering might help the body burn more calories.

When humans are exposed to cold, the body initiates a heat-producing process known to people who like to read graphs as thermogenesis. Simply put, when external temperatures fall, the body has to work harder to maintain its core temperature. That extra effort requires energy, and energy comes from burning calories.

One of the key players in this process is brown adipose tissue, more commonly called brown fat. Unlike white fat, which mainly stores energy and contributes to excess body weight, brown fat actively burns energy to generate heat.

Though most abundant in infants, adults also retain small amounts of brown fat, especially around the neck and shoulders. Individuals with higher levels of brown fat tend to have leaner body compositions.

Research suggests that exposure to cold temperatures triggers brown fat activity. In turn, this increases calorie expenditure as the body works to stay warm.

Beyond shivering itself, there are other ways cold exposure may benefit metabolism. Some studies indicate that simply lowering room temperatures or taking cold showers can increase brown fat activity and energy expenditure. However, the effects are often modest compared with traditional exercise, which is recommended as a first option over shaking your way to the kitchen for some Christmas pudding.

Related stories

Politics

The USS Zumwalt: from blunder to wonder

Social Security

Social Security benefits: Check out this month's payment schedule

Added to that, cold exposure is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. Shivering is an uncomfortable response and prolonged cold stress carries risks such as hypothermia if done irresponsibly. So get your coat, turn the central heating up, and get to the gym.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.