Yes, drinking cold water does burn more calories than drinking room-temperature water, but the difference is very small and not significant enough to impact weight loss on its own. The body uses energy to warm the cold water to body temperature, but the calorie burn is minimal.
How Does the Body Burn Calories from Cold Water?
When you drink cold water, your body must expend energy to heat it up to 37°C (98.6°F), your core body temperature. This process, called thermogenesis, burns calories. However, the number of calories burned is very low.
How Many Calories Are Burned?
Scientific estimates suggest that drinking 500 ml (about 17 oz) of ice-cold water burns around 4 to 8 calories. To put this into perspective, one small cookie contains around 50 calories, meaning you would need to drink over 6 liters of ice-cold water just to burn off a single cookie.
Does It Help with Weight Loss?
While drinking cold water does cause a small increase in calorie burn, it is not enough to significantly contribute to weight loss. However, drinking water—whether cold or room temperature—can aid weight loss indirectly by keeping you hydrated, reducing appetite, and increasing metabolism slightly.
Other Benefits of Drinking Cold Water
- Refreshing after exercise: Cold water helps cool the body down after a workout.
- Boosts alertness: It can provide a mild energy boost by stimulating the nervous system.
- Encourages hydration: Some people find cold water more enjoyable, leading them to drink more.
Conclusion
Drinking cold water does burn slightly more calories than room-temperature water, but the effect is too small to make a noticeable difference in weight loss. The best way to lose weight remains a balanced diet and regular exercise rather than relying on cold water thermogenesis. However, staying hydrated—regardless of temperature—is essential for overall health.