Healthy Living

Winter's Calorie-Burning Secret: How Cold Weather Boosts Fitness Goals

This article was medically reviewed by Tess Thomas, DO, ABFM.

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Does cold weather actually help you burn more calories? It's a frosty phenomenon we can't resist unraveling, especially amid visions of winter weight loss. But is there real science behind it?

Cracking The Code

Let's start with the process of thermogenesis – how our bodies generate heat. As you can imagine, we use it more in the winter months. This involves a special type of fat burning called “brown fat” that torches glucose and fat molecules to keep us warm.

If that doesn't work, we start to shiver, which is another strategy the body employs to create heat. Think of those involuntary muscle spasms as a small bit of exercise, which makes us warmer and ramps up calorie burn.

The Fine Print

While cold weather does stoke our calorie-burning fires, the burn rate depends on several factors. The longer we're in the cold, the more calories our bodies need to burn to keep us warm, and, according to the American Sports & Fitness Association, the colder, the better (for calorie burn, at least).

Freezing temperatures kick our thermogenic engines into overdrive. Muscle-packed bodies are also more likely to burn more calories in cold weather.

There are a few things you can do to help crank up the calorie furnace. Experts from Harvard Medical School suggest layering your clothing smartly, striking a balance between warmth and letting your body work a bit to maintain temperature.

Also be sure to stay hydrated and focus on eating carbs and healthy fats to power your cold-weather activities and amp up calorie burn.

Maximizing Winter Fitness

To take full advantage of winter when tackling your fitness goals, embrace outdoor activities like skiing, snowboarding or brisk walks. Stay consistent throughout the season, as regular cold-weather workouts will be more effective. Balancing outdoor fun, proper gear, nutrition and hydration is your ticket to avoiding a fitness hibernation.

The Weather Company does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Talk with your doctor before starting any new medicine, supplement, weight loss or exercise regimen.

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