New Study Explores the Metabolic Effects of Daily Cold Exposure

A new study presented this week at the European Congress on Obesity suggests that daily cold exposure may support fat loss in adults living with overweight and obesity, adding further scientific attention to practices popularized in recent years by figures such as Wim Hof and the growing field of cold adaptation research.

The research, conducted by Leiden University Medical Center and University of Nottingham, followed 47 participants over a six-week period to investigate whether repeated exposure to mild cold temperatures could influence body composition and energy expenditure. The findings were presented in Istanbul during one of Europe’s leading conferences dedicated to obesity research and metabolic health.

Cooling Garments Linked to Reduction in Body Fat

Participants in the intervention group wore a cooling vest and waist wrap for two hours each morning while maintaining their regular daily routines. The garments contained gel cooling packs kept at approximately 15°C and were designed to provide sustained, moderate cold exposure rather than extreme cold stress.

By the end of the trial, participants using the cooling garments had lost an average of 0.9 kilograms, largely from body fat, while the control group gained approximately 0.6 kilograms on average.

According to lead researcher Mariëtte Boon, the study is among the first to examine the long-term effects of daily cold exposure specifically in individuals with overweight and obesity. Researchers say the results may help clarify how cold temperatures interact with metabolic pathways linked to fat oxidation and energy regulation.

Brown Fat Activation and Non-Shivering Thermogenesis

Central to the findings is the role of brown adipose tissue, commonly known as brown fat, a metabolically active form of fat that generates heat in response to cold exposure.

Unlike white fat, which primarily stores energy, brown fat consumes glucose and fatty acids to maintain body temperature through a process known as non-shivering thermogenesis.

Scientists believe repeated cold exposure may increase brown fat activity, contributing to higher caloric expenditure over time.

Researchers Investigate Broader Health Benefits of Cold Adaptation

The study also points toward a broader physiological response involving skeletal muscle activation and thermoregulation. Helen Budge of the University of Nottingham noted that both brown fat and muscle tissue contribute to heat production during cold exposure, potentially influencing glucose metabolism, inflammation, and cardiovascular risk factors.

Researchers are now expanding their work to investigate whether more accessible forms of cold exposure, including cold showers and cold-water swimming — both central elements of the Wim Hof Method — may produce similar metabolic effects.

A separate ongoing study in the Netherlands is currently evaluating the impact of daily 90-second cold showers in women.