Lesson
Cold Exposure Aids Weight Loss, Study Shows
Read this news story in English at three levels, easy, standard, and advanced (B1–C1) — with vocabulary and a comprehension quiz.
Wearing ice vests or taking cold showers may help with weight loss by activating brown fat, according to a new study involving adults with obesity.
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Standard — Natural English
60 words · ~1 min readEasy version (A2–B1)
A study found that wearing ice vests or taking cold showers can help people lose weight. The research involved 47 adults who were overweight. Those who wore ice vests lost weight, while those who did not wear them did not lose any weight. Cold exposure may help burn calories.Standard version (B1–B2)
Researchers have found that wearing ice vests or taking daily cold showers can aid in weight loss. In a study of 47 adults with obesity, those who wore ice vests for two hours each morning lost an average of 0.9 kg, mostly from body fat. The study suggests that cold exposure activates brown fat, which helps burn calories more effectively.Advanced version (C1–C2)
A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Nottingham and Leiden University Medical Center has revealed that wearing ice vests or taking daily cold showers may facilitate weight loss. The study involved 47 adults classified as overweight or obese, where participants who donned ice vests for two hours each morning experienced an average weight loss of 0.9 kg, primarily from body fat. This research highlights the potential of cold exposure to activate brown fat, which utilizes body fat stores to generate heat, thereby enhancing the body's calorie-burning rate. The findings suggest that incorporating cold exposure into daily routines could serve as a simple and cost-effective strategy for weight management.Lesson audio
Standard level
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Test your understanding
01What did the study find about wearing ice vests?
02How long did participants wear the ice vests each day?
03What was the average weight loss for participants wearing ice vests?
04What does cold exposure activate according to the study?
Discussion
What are some other methods you think could help with weight loss?
Vocabulary
obesity word
a condition of being very overweight
“Obesity can lead to various health problems.”
activate word
to make something start working
“Cold exposure can activate brown fat.”
calories word
units of energy in food
“We need to burn more calories than we consume to lose weight.”
study word
a detailed examination or analysis
“The study showed that ice vests can help with weight loss.”
participants word
people who take part in an activity or study
“The study had 47 participants who were overweight.”