A dip in cold water may reduce ‘bad’ body fat in men and lower the risk of diseases such as diabetes. According to the authors, many of the 104 studies they looked at showed that cold water swimming had a significant effect on brown fat, also known as ‘good’ fat that helps burn calories. According to the researchers, this may protect against obesity and cardiovascular disease.
Much of the available research involved small numbers of participants, frequently of only one gender, and with varying water temperatures and salt composition. Furthermore, the scientific expert team of review authors from UiT The Arctic University of Norway and the University Hospital of North Norway is unsure whether or not winter swimmers are naturally healthier.
