Do you know anyone who is always cold?

While it’s true that your body burns more calories in cold weather due to thermogenesis, the increase might not be as substantial as you’d hope. The additional calorie expenditure varies from person to person and depends on several factors. Spending extended periods in chilly environments naturally leads to more calorie burning.

If you’re exposed to cold weather for hours, like during a winter hike or a day on the ski slopes, you’ll likely see a more noticeable effect on your calorie burn. Additionally, the colder it is, the more calories you’ll burn. Extremely low temperatures trigger a more robust thermogenic response, resulting in a higher calorie expenditure. A brisk winter day will likely have a more significant impact than a mild one. Your body composition also plays a role.

People with more muscle mass tend to burn more calories than those with less muscle when exposed to cold because muscle tissue is metabolically active and requires energy even at rest. Furthermore, the type of clothing you wear can also affect calorie expenditure.