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Staying warm after weight loss

33 replies24 peopleOct 21, 2026☆ Follow
Summary

why do people feel much colder after major weight loss and what actually helps

People report feeling significantly colder after losing substantial weight, whether from surgery or GLP-1 medications. Common solutions include layering with wool or thermal base layers, electric blankets or mattress pads, heated vests or slippers, microwavable heat packs, hot baths, and infrared saunas. Some attribute the chill to lost insulation while others link it directly to calorie deficit or medication side effects. The effect appears soon after weight drops and may persist.

What this discussion establishesWhere people disagree

whether the persistent cold is mainly a medication side effect or simply the result of lost insulation

Still open

whether the cold sensation eventually lessens once weight stabilizes

Nothing here is advice.

33 replies · 24 people
PatientMarble52archiveopening post2d

After dropping around 40 pounds to a BMI of 23.9, I've been struggling to keep warm during cooler months. It gets bad enough that leaving bed feels impossible. Staying put under covers doesn't help much. I have thin merino layers and wool socks. Thinking about trying an infrared sauna tent for mornings to warm up, but concerned it might not get used.

CopperQuill49archive2d

Rechargeable heated vests can be real game changers.

I often wonder why we felines spend so much time stretched out in those warm patches of light. The radiation from the sun offers real healing effects and just feels amazing too.

PlainLedger95archive2d
↳ replying to @PatientMarble52 (opening post)

Same here. I stay chilly all the time. Those warming covers feel perfect on the mattress and sofa, especially layered with another blanket to trap the warmth and turn me into a roasted little treat. Oversized hoodies, yoga pants with soft inner lining, and heavy socks. Moving around plus an infrared sauna session or steamy shower, tub soak, and whirlpool feel terrific too.

AmberBeacon57archive1d

My infrared sauna really makes a difference for me. I step inside it four or five times every week.

GreyLantern71archive1d

Heated mattress cover.

SlowLantern29archive1d

I often feel cold, so I wrap multiple homemade packs warmed in the microwave around my body. They come from fresh long cotton socks filled with flax seeds. Those seeds hold oil that keeps the warmth feeling damp instead of dry. I close the sock openings by stitching them firmly shut, though knotting them works as well. I warm them in short half-minute bursts to prevent burning while reaching the right level of heat. They stay usable through repeated sessions over many weeks. Having them around has made my everyday comfort much better overall.

↳ replying to @PatientHarbour28

I wonder if the kitties might want to share the heat box session with me. Probably though when I reach for the handle to step inside the critter will growl and demand to go first.

SlowLedger31archive1d

Socks. Tall socks. And sweatpants or pants. No I'm not trying to be a cholo. I'm fucking cold.

SlowSignal67archive1d

Recently mentioned to my spouse, who gripes nonstop about feeling chilly, how surprised I am that dropping pounds now has me doing the same 😂

BlueAlder13archive1d

Those base layers made from merino wool feel pretty good and they are offered in several different thicknesses. It is really hard to go without the insulation.

As someone who used to work around horses and still rides them, I spend lots of time outside when not resting inside. Devices that warm my feet help a ton, along with ones for my hands, though the foot versions really stand out. When I'm under the covers I go for a heated bed topper, a plug in throw, or a container filled with warm liquid. Placing even a basic warming unit beneath or on top of my feet changes everything.

I layer lightweight base pieces beneath my usual outfit along with heavy foot coverings and keep a zip-up sweatshirt on through most of the year. For sleeping I keep a portable heater running in the room so the space stays comfortable without raising the temperature throughout the rest of the place. That choice suits me because I can stay warm even when I'm moving around instead of staying tucked under blankets.

IronKettle95archive1d

The weather here in Wisconsin stayed in the high fifties most days recently. So I switched over to wearing full length pants. Our departure for Florida happens on Saturday. In the car I've been running the heated seats at their highest setting.

NorthWillow72archive1d

Previously I stuck with open footwear inside through every season since the local climate allowed it without trouble. That changed once I started noticing the cold more often. I add foot coverings now whenever temperatures drop. A really warm soak helps restore my comfort level after feeling frozen through. I've collected multiple sweatshirts to prepare for lower readings ahead. Right now it's sixty outside yet expected to reach eighty four later. I'm wearing one of those tops currently even with the entrance ajar.

After going for runs and dropping some pounds my fingers turn chilly while sitting at the computer. It's incredible with plenty of different versions around. 🔥

WarmLantern16archive1d

I never used to get this chilly at the same size in the past. Maybe the lack of enough food is causing it just as much as dropping the pounds.

SlowLedger99archive1d

These days I'm feeling the chill myself. It leaves me icy like an icebox.

SlowSignal74archive1d
↳ replying to @WarmLantern16

Which one do you use? A few years back when I first began that treatment I noticed feeling chilly within days. No weight had dropped yet so that was not the cause and although my portions got smaller I had already tested every method like skipping meals due to my size so I doubt fewer calories explained it. Probably just how the drug works. After that I moved to something else to hold steady and the chill never showed up but with this latest option I stay freezing nonstop.

WarmLantern16archive1d
↳ replying to @SlowSignal74

Well, I'm using Tirzepatide right now, so that might explain it.

From losing weight on its own I ended up feeling cold all the time. Quite a while back I went through stomach reduction surgery and shed a huge amount of body mass, staying chilly from that point onward. This makes me think the issue stems from the weight drop rather than coming straight from those medications.

QuietAnchor73archive1d

I think part of what's happening comes from the body's natural protection mode. With fewer calories coming in, it seems to lower the internal heat regulation to hold onto resources, if that makes sense. Hopefully things will get better once everything settles into this different routine.

↳ replying to @PatientTimber12

Dude, where did all your extra insulation go???

LevelAlder29archive1d
↳ replying to @SlowLantern29

A relative by marriage showed me another method using grains instead. These count among my top warming items and cost almost nothing. I enjoy a classic warming bottle too. I acquired a vintage style one that I heat in the microwave before slipping it inside its small cover. It's wonderful on the toes! Grateful for the suggestion!!! Currently our common office space provides just a single power source for five individuals along with their machines and other devices…YET I DESIRE THIS! In the workplace the climate stays at sixty degrees, prompting me to wear a bulky sweater, gloves without fingertips while working on the keyboard, plus a lap cover. I'll bring an extra lap cover the next day!

GreyLedger65archive1d

These heated house shoes top every other creation hands down.

NorthWillow72archive1d
↳ replying to @GreyLedger65

I have no clue why this melody crossed my mind just now. That number about folks who seem odd yet amazing. The part where she comes across as really into everything. Those glowing shoes paired with her fuzzy outfit. Came across the whole description printed in some glossy publication.

I've felt chilly my whole life. Particularly as evening approaches and fatigue sets in, the chill hits right away. Those fluffy feather blankets appeal to me a lot for their soft and warm feel. Battery-powered devices for warming hands make a big difference. Even with daytime peaks around sixty degrees, I'm already relying on those along with a warming blanket.

SlowLedger99archive1d

Those powered house shoes seem like they'd make me come across as more interesting. Heading straight to checkout with a pair.

QuietAnchor73archive1d
↳ replying to @NorthWillow72

Wow this occurred a couple years prior to finishing secondary school. 😭 The days really zoom past during enjoyable periods. 😆

↳ replying to @LevelAlder29

I've created similar items myself too. Cherry stones are what I go for. During the right time of year I get cherries, consume the edible part and keep the stones aside. I wash off any remaining bits thoroughly, heat them in water briefly, followed by baking them dry for a couple hours. After that I put them inside an old sock and heat it up in the microwave for warmth when required. It's an excellent method for repurposing what would otherwise be thrown away.

GreyFenwick31archive3h

It's strange since I ski a lot yet always feel freezing. Those down filled slippers really help because warming my toes seems to make the rest of me comfortable.

SlowLedger99archive2h
↳ replying to @GreyFenwick31

Someone who hits the slopes but stays chilly shows real dedication to the gag. Those puffy house shoes could easily be the highlight of the whole thread.

↳ replying to @GreyFenwick31

I had no idea such items existed at all! So I quickly searched online for them myself, but everything that shows up is just the puffer style, with no results mentioning down. Is that a specific brand name maybe? Thanks a lot!

ClearMeadow75archive1h

Lately I've been feeling chilled constantly while on the job. A couple of coworkers generate a lot of body heat and grumble whenever the temperature gets raised. Back when it was warm outside I had a portable warmer under my workspace because the cooling system was blasting. The low temps really bother me physically. Recently at dinner I rolled up my sleeves to handle my food but kept having to cover my arms again since they felt icy. Dropping from 190 pounds down to 145 means I've shed quite a bit of natural padding. Plus back when I carried more weight I often felt overheated and damp. Maybe hormonal shifts played a role then as well.

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