One personal trainer and mum who has lost 71lbs has shared the one side effect of her transformation that ‘no one ever told her about’. Many people agreed they had experienced it too as she shared her thoughts online
Many people can experience the side effect after losing weight (stock image)(Image: Getty Images)
A lot of people may be trying to drop the pounds this year and lose some weight as part of their New Year resolutions. However, one woman who has lost 71lbs has revealed the one side effect no one seems to talk about – feeling cold. Personal trainer Julia, known on Instagram as @getfitwithjuliat, regularly shares her fitness tips with her 674,000 followers on the site. However, in one of her latest reels, she focused on her own weight loss journey.
Mum Julia, who specialises in postpartum weight loss and muscle building, was seen smiling in front of a camera as she wore a hoody and jogging bottoms before raising her arms in shock.
Overlay text read, ‘Nobody warned me this would happen after weight loss…”
Following up in the caption, Julia wrote: “I genuinely didn’t realise this would happen.
“After losing 71lbs I’m so freaking cold to the point I’m uncomfortable. I have to wear layers. Anyone else going through this?”
The post racked up more than 1,700 likes as many seemed to agree they had experienced the same thing.
One person exclaimed: “Same,” while another added: “Oh my God, my heater is on right now.”
A third chimed in: “Yes and I miss my warmth lol,” while a fourth added: “Ohhh that’s what that is??? I had no idea this was a thing but it makes SO much sense!”
Why do you often feel colder when you lose weight?
Many people do feel colder after losing weight, and there are a few solid physiological reasons for it.
- Less insulation: Body fat acts as natural insulation. When you lose fat, especially subcutaneous fat, your body loses some of its ability to retain heat.
- Lower resting energy expenditure: Weight loss often reduces your basal metabolic rate. Your body produces slightly less heat at rest, so you may feel colder, especially when sitting still.
- Hormonal changes: Calorie restriction can lower levels of leptin and thyroid hormones, both of which influence heat production and temperature regulation. This is especially noticeable during active dieting.
- Reduced blood flow to skin: When the body conserves energy, it may shunt blood away from the skin to vital organs, making hands and feet feel cold.
- Less muscle mass: If weight loss includes muscle loss, heat production drops further since muscle generates heat.
When is the side effect most noticeable?
- During active weight loss, not just after
- In cool environments
- When you’re sitting still
- In the hands, feet, and face
When to worry about feeling cold
Feeling a bit colder is normal, but you should talk to a doctor if you also notice:
- Extreme cold intolerance
- Fatigue, hair loss, or brain fog
- Symptoms of anemia or thyroid dysfunction
These aren’t caused by weight loss itself, but weight loss can sometimes reveal or worsen them.
What could help you feel less cold during weight loss?
- Maintain adequate calories, especially during long dieting phases
- Prioritise protein and resistance training to preserve muscle
- Dress in layers
- Warm beverages and movement help more than people expect
