Do You Burn More Calories When You Have a Cold?
As someone who frequently battles winter colds, I’ve long wondered if my shivering and runny nose burn extra calories.
So, I decided to delve into the science behind this burning question, and here’s what I learned:
Thermogenesis: The Calorie-Burning Mechanism
Thermogenesis is the process by which the body generates heat. It is responsible for keeping our core temperature constant even in cold environments.
There are two main types of thermogenesis: **obligatory thermogenesis** and **adaptive thermogenesis**. Obligatory thermogenesis is the energy required for basic bodily functions like breathing, digestion, and maintaining body temperature.
**Adaptive thermogenesis**, on the other hand, is the extra heat produced in response to cold exposure. This process involves shivering, increased metabolic rate, and hormonal changes.
The Cold-Related Calorie Burn
Adaptive thermogenesis does burn extra calories. When exposed to cold, the body works harder to maintain its core temperature, leading to increased energy expenditure. However, the actual calorie burn varies depending on the intensity and duration of the cold exposure.
A study published in the journal “Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise” found that subjects exposed to a cold environment (14°C) for 2 hours increased their metabolic rate by 10-15%, resulting in an additional calorie burn of 100-150 calories.
Factors Affecting the Calorie Burn
Several factors influence the amount of calories burned during a cold:
- Severity of the cold: The colder the environment, the greater the adaptive thermogenesis.
- Duration of exposure: The longer the body is exposed to cold, the more calories it will burn.
- Body size: Larger individuals have a higher metabolism and burn more calories.
- Physical activity: Exercise or physical exertion increases the metabolic rate, amplifying the calorie burn.
Tips for Maximizing Calorie Burn While Sick
While it’s not advisable to actively seek exposure to cold, especially when sick, here are some tips for maximizing calorie burn during a cold:
Drink plenty of fluids: Staying hydrated helps maintain body temperature and boosts metabolism.
Consider a hot bath: Increasing body temperature through a warm bath can promote blood flow and activate thermogenesis.
Common FAQs on Cold-Related Calorie Burn
Q: Is it better to exercise when you have a cold to burn more calories?
A: Exercising while sick is not recommended as it can put unnecessary stress on the body and worsen symptoms.
Q: Can shivering help me lose weight?
A: While shivering does burn extra calories, it is not a sustainable way to lose weight and may lead to hypothermia.
Q: Is it true that cold food burns more calories to digest?
A: Cold food has a negligible effect on calorie expenditure. The body expends energy to warm food to body temperature, but this is minimal.
Conclusion
Having a cold does lead to a slight increase in calorie burn due to adaptive thermogenesis. However, the amount burned is modest and not a reliable method for weight loss. Instead, focus on recovering from the illness by resting, staying hydrated, and following doctor’s advice.
Now, I’m curious: have you ever noticed a change in your appetite or energy levels when you’re fighting a cold? Share your experiences in the comments below!
