Search Weight Loss Topics: |
Shiver Yourself Thin: Can Being Cold Help You Lose Weight? – Discover Magazine
When we're cold, we shiver. The involuntary vibrations help us generate body heat so that we don't freeze. And all that motion also has a secondary benefit for modern humans it burns calories, and potentially fat. Can we really shiver our way to better health?
It almost sounds like a pitch from an informercial, but it's true: one study from 2014 found that just 15 minutes of shivering might provide similar fat-burning benefits as a full hour of moderate exercise. Our instinctive response to the cold helps stimulate a key hormone called irisin that helps the body produce a specific type of fat conducive to weight loss.
But if youre considering swapping your next workout for an ice bath, think again. Simply being cold doesn't translate to sustained weight loss. Furthermore, while a shiver-induced hormone boost does appear to produce some of the same benefits as a workout, it wont leave the same long-lasting effects on our metabolism as regular trips to the gym.
Dubbed the "exercise hormone" because our bodies seem to release it in response to physical activity, irisin helps turn white fat into brown fat in our bodies. That matters because brown fat is easily turned into energy by the body's mitochondria stores, meaning it's easier to burn off. And sure enough, irisin is present in our bodies when we shiver, just like when we exercise, meaning that unpleasant shaking sensation can indeed help us burn fat.
Read more: Whole Body Vibration: Does Shaking Up Our Workouts Lead to Better Health?
In a Cell Metabolism study from 2014, 10 volunteers dressed in hospital scrubs and laid under water-cooled blankets used to adjust their body temperature. They started at 27 degrees Celsius (80.6 Fahrenheit) and researchers slowly brought the temperature down to 12 degrees (53.6), causing the participants to shiver. More intense shivering correlated with higher levels of irisin production. When compared to another group of test subjects cycling on stationary bikes, the researchers found shivering for just 15 minutes resulted in irisin levels comparable to those seen after 60 minutes of moderate exercise.
Of course, the simple act of shivering itself burns some calories, too, though it's unclear if it's enough to make much of a difference. Irisin production, by contrast, specifically targets fat stores. But temporarily boosting irisin levels likely isn't the key to sustained weight loss.
In a Metabolism study from 2014, researchers wanted to know if, by mimicking shivering in the body, they could also make irisin levels rise. So, they had a small group of women participate in six weeks of whole-body vibration exercise, where participants balance on a vibrating plate. It worked levels of the hormone increased. But, it didn't have a lasting effect on the participants' baseline irisin levels, even after the training was over.
So whatever fat-burning benefits arose during their workout disappeared once participants rested again. And one study suggests other types of exercise won't help give you an irisin boost, either.
In a 2014 report from Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, researchers took a group of sedentary adults and had them do resistance training for six months, measuring their irisin levels before and after the training started. At the end of the trial, people who went through six months of training did not have higher baseline irisin levels than the controls.
So, you're pretty much stuck with whatever irisin your body is able to produce during physical activity. And exercise itself may not have that big of an impact on weight loss, since hitting the gym doesn't burn that many calories relative to other things. It might help to adjust other parts of your lifestyle, such as diet, if you're really looking to shed pounds.
Read more: Do Artificial Sweeteners Actually Help With Weight Loss?
As for shivering we know it can boost the body's fat-burning capabilities and keep us warm in the winter months. But research is unclear as to how much, if at all, shivering can lead to healthy, sustainable weight loss.
See the rest here:
Shiver Yourself Thin: Can Being Cold Help You Lose Weight? - Discover Magazine
- How To Lose Weight With Five Secret Tips [Last Updated On: June 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 13th, 2011]
- How To Lose Weight Fast - Weight Loss Pills - Alli Diet Pills Reviewed - Appetite Suppressant [Last Updated On: June 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 13th, 2011]
- How to Lose Weight Like a Celebrity [Last Updated On: June 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 14th, 2011]
- How To Lose Weight [Last Updated On: June 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 14th, 2011]
- How To Lose Weight Fast Because I'm Fat -This Simple Tip Will Help [Last Updated On: June 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 15th, 2011]
- Trainer Struggles to Lose Weight [Last Updated On: June 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 15th, 2011]
- Supersize vs Superskinny | Fear of Food | Channel 4 [Last Updated On: June 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 15th, 2011]
- How To Lose Weight - How to Start - Healthy Weight Loss - Losing Weight The Hard Way Antishay Q [Last Updated On: June 17th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 17th, 2011]
- How to Lose Weight with the Amazing Japanese Morning Bana... [Last Updated On: June 18th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 18th, 2011]
- How to Lose Weight Fast - The truth about Fat Burning Foods and Weight Loss Programs [Last Updated On: June 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 21st, 2011]
- Resolution: Lose Weight And Get In Shape! [Last Updated On: June 22nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 22nd, 2011]
- My 40lb Weight loss Before [Last Updated On: July 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 4th, 2011]
- How To Lose Weight + Food Tips -- Losing Weight The Hard Way - Antishay Q [Last Updated On: July 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 4th, 2011]
- How To Lose Weight Fast and Easy - One Year Later [Last Updated On: September 3rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 3rd, 2011]
- losing weight with photoshop [Last Updated On: September 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 6th, 2011]
- Home ab workout: crunch exercise for 6-pack abs [Last Updated On: September 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 9th, 2011]
- How to lose weight fast - THE BEST METHOD EVER ! [Last Updated On: September 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 9th, 2011]
- Teen Weight Loss Tips! [Last Updated On: September 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 16th, 2011]
- Running Tips : How to Lose Weight Running [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2011]
- Why Can't I Lose Weight - Shocking Weight Loss Cover-up Exposed. [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2011]
- My 100 lb Weight Loss Journey: A Follow Up [Last Updated On: October 3rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 3rd, 2011]
- Top 10 Healthy, Alkalizing Foods for Energy, PsycheTruth Nutrition [Last Updated On: October 3rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 3rd, 2011]
- Belly Fat Combat Member: Laura Dens Weight Loss Before And After [Last Updated On: October 3rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 3rd, 2011]
- Lose Weight with All Natural Whey Protein Powders.mp4 [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- losing weight. Start losing weight today.mp4 [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- How I lost weight [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- How To Lose Weight Fast - My Weight Loss Before And After [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- SURPRISING key to weight loss (must see!) [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- PODCAST: Dr. Barry Sears The Zone Diet - Reducing Inflammation Helps You Lose Weight [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- How I lost 90 pounds and kept it off [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Lose weight easy as 1-2-3 ( [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Endomorph Nutrition to Lose Weight Effectively Carb Sensitivity [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- 20 Minute Weight Loss [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Get six pack abs in 6 minutes on your couch. This Works! [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- Weight Loss Motivation [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- Healthy Weight Loss Tips - Nutrition by Natalie [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- How To Lose Weight Fast - Video [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2011]
- Yoga Exercises to Burn Fat and Lose Weight - Video [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2011]
- WEIGHT LOSS TIPS FOR LOSING WEIGHT FAST—RAW FOOD WEIGHT LOSS—HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT FAST - Video [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2011]
- How to Lose Weight - Video [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2011]
- Top 10 Best Foods - Nutrition by Natalie - Video [Last Updated On: October 18th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 18th, 2011]
- Free Weight Loss Hypnosis Video - Video [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2011]
- Dr. Oz Takes Losing Weight To The Extreme - Video [Last Updated On: October 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 28th, 2011]
- Best way for girls to lose weight 2011 - Video [Last Updated On: October 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 28th, 2011]
- WANT TO LOSE WEIGHT? MAKE HEALTH YOUR HOBBY! 80-10-10 FTW! - Video [Last Updated On: October 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 28th, 2011]
- What's Wrong with this Weight Loss Picture? - PART 1 of 2 - Video [Last Updated On: October 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 28th, 2011]
- What's Wrong with this Weight Loss Picture? - PART 2 of 2 - Video [Last Updated On: October 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 28th, 2011]
- THE FAT GENE FOUND! - Medical Weight Loss/Obesity Research - Video [Last Updated On: October 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 28th, 2011]
- How to Lose Weight, The Healthy Way! (Part 1) - Video [Last Updated On: October 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 28th, 2011]
- Tip to Lose Weight: How to Know If You Ate Too Many Carbs - Video [Last Updated On: October 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 28th, 2011]
- POP Pilates for Weight Loss - Video [Last Updated On: October 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 28th, 2011]
- How To Enjoy Summer and Lose Weight By Running - Video [Last Updated On: October 29th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 29th, 2011]
- The Last 40 Pounds - Lose Weight witout Dieting - Video [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2011]
- Take The Beachbody Challenge And Win Money For Losing Weight - Video [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2011]
- Losing Weight Oct 22 2011 - Video [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2011]
- Day 11: 30 Day Weight Loss Journey - Video [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2011]
- Ayurveda Aur Hum - How to Lose Weight - Obesity Cure - Ayurveda - Video [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2011]
- Lose weight by cycling and diet low-calorie fatburner 1 on 1 - Video [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2011]
- How to Lose Weight Fast- Using The Weight Loss Bully - Video [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2011]
- Meals to Lose Weight by: Mexican Salad - Video [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2011]
- Workout Routines To Lose Weight - Video [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2011]
- Day 7: 30 Day Weight Loss Journey - Video [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2011]
- Portland Personal Trainer - How to lose weight - Video [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2011]
- Fast Weight Loss Tips | Tips For Fast Rapid Weight Loss - Video [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2011]
- Ayurveda Aur Hum - Lose Weight without Dieting - Ayurveda - Video [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2011]
- Ultimate Weight Loss 4 Men/Women - Video [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2011]
- My Weight Loss Journey - How I lost Weight Fast - Video [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2011]
- How to Lose Weight Fast and Easy / How to Lose Belly Fat Fast for men / women teenagers - Video [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2011]
- Why You Can't Lose Weight, Healthy Food, Austin Wellness - Video [Last Updated On: November 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 16th, 2011]
- How To Lose Weight In College: The SarahFit College Diet - Video [Last Updated On: November 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 16th, 2011]
- U2 - With or Without you - lyrics - Video [Last Updated On: November 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 16th, 2011]
- Weight Loss Advice - How To Start Losing Weight - Video [Last Updated On: November 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 16th, 2011]
- How To Stop Cravings [Last Updated On: November 17th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 17th, 2011]
- Vegan Cheesecake: Cooking to LOSE WEIGHT! - Video [Last Updated On: November 17th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 17th, 2011]
- Lose weight and get in shape! - New years resolution - Video [Last Updated On: November 17th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 17th, 2011]
- Tips for Weight Loss Through Running Video - About.com - Video [Last Updated On: November 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 19th, 2011]
- Weight Loss Motivation : 42 pounds [Last Updated On: November 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 19th, 2011]
- Cold Weather And Weight Loss - Video [Last Updated On: November 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 19th, 2011]
- lose weight this holiday season.mp4 - Video [Last Updated On: November 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 19th, 2011]
- Weight Loss in a HURRY! - Video [Last Updated On: November 26th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 26th, 2011]