Scientists discover link between temperature and fat loss

The University of Geneva has found a way to help burn fat and improve your metabolism

'Masculinity may be challenged by diabetes, demanding daily consideration and lifestyle changes', according to the study (Getty Images)

Being cold will help you lose weight, a study has found.

Scientists at the University of Geneva found that being cold alters intestinal bacteria and causes a microbial shift, which can cause the body to burn fat stores, improve glucose metabolism and reduce body weight.

The test was conducted with mice, but the scientists believe the findings could translate to overweight and obese people.

Professor Mirko Trajkovski, who headed up the study, told the Western Daily Press: “We provide compelling evidence that gut microbes play a key role in our ability to adapt to the environment by directly regulating our energy balance.

“We are excited about exploring the theraputing potential of these findings and testing whether targeting some of these microbes could be a promising approach for preventing obesity and related metabolic conditions.”

During the experiment two sets of mice were exposed to temperatures of 6⁰C and 22⁰C respectively for a duration of 10 days.

The mice exposed to the cold were seen to have a major shift in the composition of their gun microbes, preventing weight gain.

This gut bacteria produced by those exposed to the cold was transplanted into the mice who lived in the warmer temperature. The mice given a transplant had improved glucose metabolism, increased tolerance to cold temperatures and lost body fat.

Dr Trajkovski believes the microbial shift will also promote the growth of healthy fats such as beige and brown fats.