Cold Bath Immersion Effects on Resting Metabolic Rate
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Authors
Alexis Fitch
Issue Date
2026
Type
Language
Keywords
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Abstract
In the United states obesity rates are rapidly growing and are predicted to continue increasing to nearly 50% by 2030. Many strategies have been employed to combat obesity, including weight loss drugs and exercise programs. These strategies aim to either decrease caloric intake or increase energy utilization. One potential method of enhancing weight loss is to stimulate fat from “white” to “beige”. Most of the fat in the human body exists as white fat, which functions as storage/insulation in the body, but adults also have a small amount of metabolically active brown fat. When white fat becomes more like brown fat, it’s said to have beiged. Past studies have shown that beiging can be triggered by cold exposure and can increase metabolism. One study demonstrated an increase in a protein seen in brown fat, UCP1, following ice pack applications. Another study observed increases in metabolic rate and weight loss after cold room treatments. While cold exposure appears to positively affect metabolic rate and be a promising treatment for obesity, there is still much to define in terms of the timing, duration, and type of treatment. The purpose of this study is to determine if full body immersion in a cold bath can increase resting metabolic rate. To do this we will recruit 20-30 participants and measure resting metabolic rate prior to and following cold exposure. Participants will immerse in a 53-55℉ cold bath for 5-10 minutes five times a week over two weeks. Pre- and post- metabolic rates will be compared to look for significant differences in metabolism. We hypothesize that the resting metabolic rate will increase following the cold water immersion protocol.