Weight loss trends come and go, but the ice hack has people raising their eyebrows and metabolic rates. The idea is simple: exposing your body to cold temperatures, whether through ice baths, cold showers, or even drinking icy water, could help burn extra calories.
Some swear by it, while others remain sceptical, but one thing’s certain — this chilly trend is making waves in the wellness world. So, is it a cool trick or just another fad? Let’s break the ice on this weight loss method.
The HealthShots publication defines this method as a weight loss strategy that lowers body temperature, causing the body to burn more calories to generate heat, based on thermogenesis, a process that generates heat. The health source continues to explain that ice hacks for weight loss are believed to be effective due to their thermogenesis concept, which may help manage obesity by activating brown fat, increasing energy expenditure, and boosting metabolism.
Research in Nature Reviews Endocrinology and Frontiers In Physiology by the National Library of Medicine suggests that exposure to cold environments can help burn calories and reduce weight. Additionally, it is stated that consuming ice water or taking cold showers can encourage hydration, making it easier to feel full and avoid overeating during meals.
According to Very Well Health, ice hacks for weight loss may pose health risks, including slowed digestion, negative effects on the gut microbiome, heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure, hormone function, and hypothermia. The source further mentions, “While some of the ice hacks based in social media have not been thoroughly evaluated because they are so new and diverse, there are well-documented risks of cold exposure in general.”
Also see: Walk your way to wellness : Try interval walking for weight loss
