A recent study suggests that regular exposure to cold temperatures through the use of an ice vest or cold showers may aid in weight loss. Presented at the European Congress on Obesity held in Istanbul, the research indicates that daily cold exposure can activate brown fat tissue and skeletal muscles, prompting the body to burn more calories by generating heat.

The trial, conducted in the Netherlands and involving 47 overweight or obese adults, divided participants into two groups. For six weeks, one group wore cooling vests for two hours each morning, while the control group did not receive any cold exposure intervention. These cooling vests, designed like gilets with ice pack pockets, are commonly used by motorcyclists and construction workers for comfort in hot conditions. Over the six-week period, those wearing the vests lost an average of 0.9 kilograms, whereas the control group gained an average of 0.6 kilograms.

Researchers from the University of Nottingham and Leiden University emphasized that this is the first real-world study to demonstrate a meaningful link between cold exposure and fat loss in obese individuals. The findings have led to further investigations, including a separate trial testing whether a daily 90-second cold shower could produce similar weight loss effects. Study co-author Professor Helen Budge of the University of Nottingham highlighted the potential for cold exposure to serve as a simple, cost-effective addition to diet and exercise in lifestyle interventions aimed at reducing heart disease risk.

“Daily cold exposure activates brown fat, which uses body fat stores to produce heat,” Budge explained. She also noted that cold showers and cold swimming may offer comparable benefits. Budge added that the cooling vests used in the trial were designed for everyday use and are generally comfortable, having seen prior use in occupational settings such as construction during summer months.

The study’s lead author, Dr. Mariëtte Boon of Leiden University Medical Centre, emphasized the novelty of the research in examining long-term effects of cold exposure. She explained that brown fat activation and skeletal muscle engagement through shivering and heat generation help elevate core body temperature, contributing to increased energy expenditure.

This research arrives amid growing popularity of cold-water activities such as swimming and plunging into cold water, which have gained mainstream attention partly due to high-profile advocates like the Princess of Wales, David Beckham, and Harry Styles. The wellness trend has also been influenced by methods like the Wim Hof technique, which promotes cold immersion for health benefits.

Industry professionals have noted a surge in consumer interest related to cold exposure. Danyl Bosomworth, founder of Brass Monkey, a company specializing in ice bath installations, reported that sales have doubled annually. “Cold water immersion has found a home in mainstream fitness environments,” Bosomworth said, reflecting wider acceptance of cold therapy practices beyond niche communities.

While additional research is needed to fully understand long-term impacts and practical applications, these findings provide preliminary evidence supporting the role of cold exposure as a complementary strategy for weight management.