Shower and bath boffins claim that one simple change could help burn 100s of calories, although there is a potential catch for those that enjoy relaxing in the warm
Boffins reckon taking a hot bath or shower can burn off as many calories as an exercise session.
Folk who wallowed in bathwater at 40°C (104°F) for an hour burned around 140 calories, found a study by scientists. To achieve the same results with a workout, you would have to do a half-hour walk, a 20-minute swim or a 15-minute jog or bike ride.
And for those who prefer a shower, a 15-minute blast at the same temperature can burn more than 300 calories – equal to a large hot dog or king-size chocolate bar.The equivalent at the gym would be hula hooping for three quarters of an hour or 40 gruelling minutes of spin class or rowing machine.
And fearless fat fighters who brave a cold shower of below 15°C (59°F) can also banish calories – and fork out less in energy bills.
Bathroom firm Plumbworld, which revealed the findings, said: “A study from Loughborough University found that soaking in warm water at 40°C for an hour burned as many calories as a 30-minute walk.”
It added: “Most people step into the shower without a second thought.
“But what if that daily habit could actually help you burn hundreds of calories? According to experts, the right water temperature and shower duration can activate the body’s metabolism, leading to calorie burn comparable to light exercise.”
The report said exposure to hot water forced the body to work harder to regulate its temperature, which in turn burned calories.
It said: “Meanwhile, cold showers can boost metabolism by activating brown fat, a type of fat tissue that burns energy to keep the body warm.
“Experts estimate that a 15-minute shower at an optimal temperature can burn between 100 and 353 calories, depending on individual metabolism and water exposure.”
A Plumbworld spokesman said: “Whether you’re using a steaming hot shower to increase circulation or a cold shower to activate your metabolism, your daily routine could be doing more than just keeping you clean.”