When Ed Sheeran sang "give me the shivers" it might have been just a romantic lyric. But for people on weight loss , getting the shivers can actually be good for their health.



Body and fat burn

When the temperatures drop, more calories are burned in the body in order to maintain the internal temperature and this process is known as thermogenesis .



Our body stores two types of fats- white and brown. White fat in particular is known as "bad fat" because it accumulates when we consume more calories in comparison to the amount you burn. An excessive amount of calories can cause weight gain and obesity and significantly increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.



Brown fat is known as "good fat" as it fuels the body with energy and regulates metabolism . Lean people tend to have more brown fat than overweight ones and scientists have been trying to figure out ways to metabolise white fat stores into brown fat.



Now, it seems they have finally found a way.



Does shivering help in weight loss?

A 2012 study published in , “demonstrated that brown adipose tissue in adult humans is actually metabolically highly active when it is stimulated physiologically, that is, when human brown fat is on fire.”



Shivering occurs when the body is on metaphorical fire because of the chilling winds. It can activate brown fat to burn calories and generate heat.



Another 2014 study in stated that shivering stimulates the secretion of the hormone irisin, which induces fat burning.



As per researchers, 15 minutes of shivering in cold is the physiological equivalent of moderate exercise for one hour.



Shivering in disguise

While you might wonder if shivering for fat burn means you've got to stand outside in the cold, there are better ways. is a process that involves standing in a freezing chamber for a few minutes. It has been shown to lower cholesterol and blood glucose levels while also reducing the waistline.



There are other treatments that include shivering in disguise. This includes wearing a , said to burn up to 250 calories per hour.



And if nothing seems interesting, braving through 15 minutes might as well be worth the calorie loss.




Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment and before changing your diet or supplement regimen.