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The wellness world has been swept up by the cold plunge craze, with ice baths and chilly dips touted as a shortcut to burning calories and shedding pounds. However, a new study from Coventry University in the UK, published in Physiology & Behavior, is challenging this popular belief, warning that the practice may actually undermine weight loss efforts.
Researchers led by Professor David Broom investigated the effects of cold-water immersion on appetite and calorie consumption. In their experiment, 15 healthy, active adults (10 men and 5 women) spent 30 minutes immersed in either cold (60°F), hot (95°F), or room temperature (78°F) water. Afterward, participants were offered pasta and told to eat until comfortably full.
The results were striking:
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Those who took the cold plunge consumed, on average, 240 more calories than those in the hot or room temperature groups.
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This extra intake nearly matched—or even canceled out—the estimated 250–500 calories burned during the cold-water session.
The scientists believe the phenomenon is linked to the body’s thermoregulation process. After being exposed to cold, the body continues to cool—a process called “after-drop.” This triggers brain regions responsible for temperature and energy balance, unconsciously driving people to eat more, even if they don’t feel hungrier.
Interestingly, participants did not report feeling hungrier after the cold plunge, but their behavior told a different story: they simply ate more.
Dr. Hany Demian, CEO of BioSpine and co-founder of Pain Care Clinics, echoed these findings, noting that contrast therapy (alternating between hot and cold) burns only a small number of calories—“nothing significant.” He added that post-plunge hunger may be triggered by physiological responses rather than a true need for more calories.
While cold plunges may offer benefits for recovery and mental clarity, relying on them for weight loss could be counterproductive. The body’s natural compensation mechanisms may quietly sabotage calorie deficits, turning a well-intentioned plunge into an oversized meal.
This article summarizes findings from a recent scientific study and expert commentary. The information provided is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Individuals considering new health or fitness routines should consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to their regimen.
