How wild swimming could help you to shed the pounds
IT’S the craze that celebrities and influencers swear improves wellbeing.
Now experts think wild swimming could also be good for your waistline.
Cold- water swims could cut ‘bad’ body fat in men and reduce the risk of diabetes, according to a major review.
Taking a dip in water with temperatures below 20C (68F) was found to burn calories and help them lose weight. Scientists believe it releases fat-busting hormones, which can help to protect against obesity and heart disease.
But they warned that potential pitfalls, including hypothermia and heart and lung issues, mean it is some way off being prescribed as an activity to shed the pounds.
And there is less evidence of the potential health benefits for women as most research on the topic studies men.
Wild swimming is swimming outdoors in rivers, lakes or the sea, where temperatures are usually lower than in swimming pools – a typical swimming pool temperature is between 26C and 28C (79F and 82F). Better mental health and increased libido are among numerous health and wellbeing claims made by fans. The review of 104 studies looked at the effects of icy plunges on adipose tissue, blood circulation, the immune system, inflammation and oxidative stress.
They found evidence suggesting immersion in cold water triggers a shock response in the body , such as elevated heart rate.
Icy dips were found to activate brown adipose tissue, a type of ‘good’ body fat which burns calories to maintain body temperature. They increased production of adiponectin, a protein that plays a key role in protecting against insulin resistance and diabetes, according to the findings published in the International Journal of Circumpolar Health.
But the researchers from The Arctic University of Norway and from the University Hospital of North Norway were undecided over heart health. Some studies suggested cardiovascular risk factors improved in swimmers who have adapted to the cold while others found it increased the workload on the heart.