EXPERT COMMENT: “We don't have to be substantially subzero to be able to die from the cold. Sustained damage can happen at zero degrees.”

Expert comment

Temperatures across the country have plummeted this week. With weather warnings in place for most of the country and the threat of the first named storm of the year set to bring heavy snowfall, we spoke to Dr Simon Hodder, a Professor in Environmental Ergonomics about the harm cold temperatures can have on our bodies and the best ways to keep warm.  

When discussing the impact of colder temperatures on the body, Dr Hodder explains that even though we’ve seen humans travel to the coldest places on Earth and survive extreme temperatures, it is technology that enables this, and that more moderate cold temperatures are a risk.

“We don't have to be substantially subzero to be able to die from the cold. Sustained damage can happen at zero degrees. Cold temperatures are still a big killer in the UK, with people dying at home, often in connection to fuel poverty.”

Explaining how cold temperatures affect our bodies, Dr Hodder warns of the risks prolonged cold temperatures can have on your body.  

“When the climate is cool, we try and conserve our heat. We relocate all our blood supply to the core, which means our skin temperature decreases quickly.

“Although we can survive extreme exposure for short periods of time, with a continued decrease in body temperature, you will start to become hypothermic. This leads to you feeling disorientated and losing muscle strength because the activation of your muscles and your joints become much harder.”

When it comes to staying warm during colder spells, Dr Hodder commented on the importance of heating yourself, not just the environment you are in.

“Think about insulation - of your house, but also for yourself. We need to think much more about personal heating and cooling. So rather than heating a big room, focusing on heating the person. People really like to be in control of their environment, and if they're in the same space as somebody else who would like to be slightly warmer or slightly cooler, it becomes difficult.

“Think about the layers that you're wearing and how much clothing you need and make sure that you put that on. This would give a much greater benefit in terms of energy costs too.”

ENDS

For further comments and interview requests with Dr Simon Hodder, please email the PR team or call 01509 222224.

Filming opportunity: Dr Hodder’s research is based in Loughborough University’s Environmental Test Suite - a set of climate-controlled chambers, that can replicate weather conditions, including heat, cold, altitude, wind, and sunlight. To discuss potential filming opportunities, please contact the PR team.

Video (downloads and embed codes):

Expert comment: The best ways to stay warm this winter

Download video/audio (inc. raw files): https://www.lboro.ac.uk/media-centre/videos/2025/expert-comment-cold-weather

YouTube video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rz0Ptijy4E4

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Other available expert comment videos:

Expert comment: How does cold weather affect our bodies?

YouTube video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3CTQZZSAAQ

Expert comment: Surviving cold temperatures

YouTube video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSGlnN1OZ1Q

Please credit 'Loughborough University', where possible.

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Notes for editors

Press release reference number: 26/04

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