Ice baths and cold swims make dippers eat more

Ice baths and plunges into cold lakes and rivers could make aficionados eat more, university researchers have found.

The Coventry University team believes appetite is affected by something called the "after-drop", where people's core body temperature continues falling even after they emerge.

Parts of the brain which sense changes in body temperature and energy levels may cause bathers to crave more food as a natural response, they suggest.

Prof David Broom said the findings conflicted with popular thinking that icy dips could help with weight loss.

Cold water swimming and ice baths have exploded in popularity in recent years, with proponents arguing their benefits for a range of phenomena, from burning extra calories, to improved mental health.

Prof Bloom led tests on their impact on appetite and food intake, along with PhD student Marie Grigg from Coventry University's Research Centre for Physical Activity, Sport and Exercise Sciences.

The study involved 10 men and five women, who were all healthy and active, spending 30 minutes submerged in cold water, warm water, or sitting in a room at 26C, in tests carried out over several weeks.

The researchers found those in the cold water - kept at a temperature of 16C - ate about 240 extra calories afterwards compared to those in 35C water or at room temperature.

"Ice baths and cold dips have become really popular; with many people hoping they'll help with weight loss," Prof Bloom said.

"Interestingly, people didn't say they felt hungrier during or after the cold water - they just ate more."

Ms Grigg said more research was needed on the after-drop effect to determine whether repeated cold-water dunks could lead to long-term weight gain.

"Our findings show it is important to put strategies in place to avoid over-eating after cold water immersion," she added.

Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.