London, Jan 25 (IANS): Losing weight could be faster in colder temperature as it helps in burning calories. Dutch researchers say that higher temperatures in homes, offices and hospitals provide comfort, but it's not ideal for unfit bodies.

The findings say that an optimum temperature of 19 degrees Celsius is sufficient to provide the right balance, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

Lead researcher Wouter can Marken Lichtenbelt, from Maastricht University Medical centre, told BBC: “19C is enough - and not for the whole day. Energy increases were in the order of 6 percent in mild cold, and in the long terms that could really make a difference.

“It could be a substantial influence and help in combinations with food changes and exercise."

Among young and middle-aged people, non-shivering heat production in response to feeling cold can account for up to 30 percent of the body’s energy budget, say the scientist. And this means that the lower temperatures can significantly increase the number of calories burned up instead of being stored as fat.

One research group in Japan had shown a decrease in body fat after volunteers spent two hours a day at 17 degree celsius for six weeks, said the scientist.