New Year, New You: How Cryotherapy Can Help You Achieve Your Weight Loss Goals

Cryotherapy, also known as whole-body cryotherapy (WBC), is gaining attention for its potential benefits in supporting weight loss and overall wellness. By exposing the body to extremely cold temperatures for short periods, cryotherapy stimulates a range of physiological responses that can help with weight management. Here’s a closer look at how this innovative therapy works, backed by scientific research.

How Cryotherapy Supports Weight Management

1. Boosts Metabolism
   Cryotherapy increases the body’s basal metabolic rate (BMR)—the energy expended while at rest. The extreme cold prompts your body to burn more calories to generate heat and maintain a stable internal temperature.
2. Calorie Burn
   A single cryotherapy session lasting just 2–3 minutes can help burn an estimated 500–800 calories, depending on individual factors such as body composition and metabolic rate. This impressive calorie burn occurs because the body must work intensively to return to normal temperature after exposure to extreme cold.
   While the precise calorie burn depends on factors like body size and metabolic rate, research supports the potential for significant energy expenditure. For instance, a 2014 study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that exposure to mild cold over two hours led to a marked increase in energy expenditure.
3. Adrenaline Surge
   The cold exposure triggers the release of adrenaline, enhancing energy levels and making you feel invigorated and ready for physical activity.
4. Enhances Fat-Burning Mechanisms
   Cryotherapy stimulates processes such as cold-induced thermogenesis, activating brown adipose tissue (BAT), which burns fat to generate heat.

The Science Behind Cryotherapy and Weight Loss

1. Increased Energy Expenditure
   When exposed to extreme cold, your body must work harder to return to normal temperature. This process requires energy, leading to increased calorie burn.
2. Hormonal Boost
   Cryotherapy floods the bloodstream with hormones, including adrenaline, which enhances fat metabolism and promotes energy levels.
3. Fat Cell Reduction
   Cryotherapy may trigger apoptosis (programmed fat cell death). These dead fat cells are naturally processed by the liver and eliminated from the body.

Research Highlights

• Cryotherapy for Menopausal Women
  A study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine found that WBC significantly reduced abdominal obesity in menopausal women with metabolic syndrome. After 10 sessions, participants experienced reductions in waist circumference, hip circumference, and skinfold thickness. Read the 2020 study here
• Cold-Induced Thermogenesis
  Research published in 2018 demonstrated that regular cryotherapy activates thermogenesis, leading to an average 3% reduction in body mass, particularly around the waist. Read the 2018 study here
• Brown Adipose Tissue Activation
  Research shows that BAT burns fat during cold exposure, contributing to effective, non-invasive weight loss strategies. Chronic exposure to cold environments increases BAT activity, enhancing energy metabolism.
• Improved Glucose Metabolism
  Alternating exposure to cold and warmth enhances the body’s ability to process sugars, preventing them from being stored as fat.

Why Choose Cryotherapy Over Traditional Cold Treatments?

1. Comfortable Experience
   Unlike ice baths, cryotherapy uses dry, cold air that penetrates only the outer skin layer, making the experience more tolerable.
2. Quick and Convenient
   Cryotherapy sessions last just 2–3 minutes, fitting easily into a busy schedule.

Maximising Results with a Holistic Approach

Cryotherapy works best as part of a comprehensive weight loss plan. Combining it with:

• Healthy Diet: A balanced intake of nutrients to fuel your body.
• Regular Exercise: Enhancing the calorie burn from cryotherapy with physical activity.
• Adequate Sleep: Supporting recovery and metabolic health.

By incorporating cryotherapy into your routine, you’re not just burning calories—you’re tapping into your body’s natural fat-burning mechanisms, boosting energy, and setting the foundation for sustainable weight management.

Experience Cryotherapy at Aim Health

At Aim Health, we offer whole-body cryotherapy in a spacious chamber designed for two people—making it a perfect activity to enjoy with a friend or partner. Our chamber even features a built-in speaker so you can dance to your favourite tunes while tackling the invigorating cold together. This unique setup turns a challenging experience into a fun, connective moment while helping you reap all the incredible benefits of cryotherapy.

Ready to take the plunge? Book your session today and let us help you on your journey to achieving your weight loss goals.