Is there truth to burning more calories in the cold?

[Sophia]

I remember reading that if you do anything outside in the winter, you can burn up to 50% more and it is a good idea to workout in colder environments to burn more calories. So if you swim, swim in colder water. If you workout at home, crank the AC up. Is there any truth to this? 

[Mila]

I know there are studies on this but I can't for the life of me remember where to find them! There is truth in this. I can't remember how to explain it though. You have to be in a certain temp and keep your heart rate at a certain level. I think you can burn up to 30% more, not 50% more though. 

[Scarlett]

Going to drop a link here for you: https://www.vox.com/2017/12/23/16774320/exercise-in-cold-burn-more-calories

The deal is, the cold DOES help the body burn more calories BUT only when it remains cold. If you exercise, you are helping it warm up. 

[James]

See I would say working out in the heat does the same thing because the body needs to work harder to cool itself off. https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness/do-you-burn-more-calories-in-the-heat#calories

So I guess it can go either way. I think it really is all about being comfortable. I live in an area that is hot during this time of year and sometimes the runs I take are in triple digit weather. We got a ton of rain and I was out running in the rain on Saturday morning think it was around 75 outside and I was just thinking about how perfect it was. 

Our bodies do eventually get used to the climate though and that would reduce any extra calorie burn.