Question for those who have lost a lot - Always cold?

Cold extremities (fingers, feet, nose), as well as outright chills, are common side-effects of recent weight loss for two reasons 1) loss of insulation or 2) a drop in basal metabolic rate.

The first of these can be annoying, but is not such a bad thing with respect to weight loss goals. Mammals have a 'lower critical external temperature' at which point the body increases basal metabolic rate to keep core temperature in a survivable range. That external temperature depends on insulation. For example, Arctic foxes don't need to start ramping up their metabolic rate until -40F air temp, because of their great fur. Surprisingly, human's start ramping up metabolism around +75F external temp. This cost of keeping up body temperature can be a huge part of basal metabolism and caloric balance. As you lose insulation (fat) your body temp drops more easily and your metabolism ramps up more often to maintain core temp. If you are attempting to lose more weight this is actually a good thing for burning more calories. For those who live in cold regions, you probably have experienced this energetic cost of maintaining body temp as the extra tired feeling that comes after a bit of work or play outdoors in the winter. If you are a bit cold from time to time after losing considerable weight, but your calories are not severely reduced, you probably have little to worry about.

The second reason for feeling cold, and in this case very cold, is not such a good thing. It is a symptom of a slowing of metabolic rate due to severe calorie limitation. If you are experiencing not just the occasional cold hands but fairly severe chills and shivering at otherwise normal room temperatures, and you are not sick with a virus or infection, then you are potentially suffering from some severe metabolic depression. In this situation, your body is struggling to have enough calories to even maintain your core body temperature and is taking extreme measures, like shivering of muscles, to make up the difference. If you find that you are not just a bit cold at times, but are experiencing real chills and shivering, you should probably up your calorie intake.

I live in Phoenix AZ. The middle of the freaking desert where anything under 100 is considered winter and yes I am always cold.

I'm usually cold now. I used to always be hot so it's definitely taking some time to get used to it.

Are you getting enough iron in your diet?

Same problem for me! I'm glad I'm not alone! I live in the Buffalo area also! I've been adding t-shirts,or turtle necks under everything this winter, they help. I used to wear short sleeves all winter before I lost weight. I will gladly live with a turtleneck!

I have lost 200 lbs from my highest 9 years ago of 451 lbs. before I was always hot...hated summer, never owned a sweater, had one turtleneck, and never wore a hat or earmuffs. now it can be 85 in summer and I am in the shade and a breeze blows, I get goose bumps. there is no such thing as too many layers and i have several sizes of clothes for this fact alone!!!

I find ANY wind, no matter how hot the day is (except if it is really humid) makes me cold! I don't rarely use the AC in the house or car anymore. I went on a cruise to the caribbean (my first time) in december and honest to god I thought the ocean water was a bit chilly!!! so swimming has been ruined for me as well.

I am 38 years old and I get colder faster and stay cold longer than my aunts who are in their 70's and very petite!!!!

YES! I have never been so cold in my life, even inside the house like you said. I am almost always throwing on huge sweatshirts and sweatpants to feel comfortable. I cannot wait for the summer to get here. I really hope it goes back to normal. I hate being cold!

So, i've lost a lot of weight. Im always, always cold. I also live in Buffalo so its cold here but even inside the house im freezing. The thermostat is set to 71 and everyday my fingers, toes and nose are like ice cubes. All while my 3 yr old wants to run around naked all day lol. So, my question is, does this regulate itself out with time?

Since I upped my cals I've been warm. I've figured out why as well. Thermogenesis (the heat production of organisms). Dieters on very low calorie diets suck at it. If you eat more you'll probably feel warmer. Especially if you exercise.

TDEE = BMR + TEF + NEAT + EAT

BMR = Basal Metabolic Rate
TEF = Thermal Effect of Feeding
NEAT = Non-Exercise Associated Thermogenesis
EAT = Exercise Associated Thermogenesis

Notice how if you're not eating enough to fuel the above that you will no doubt be colder then if you did. Thats one of many reasons why people only chose moderate deficits instead of large ones.

Also notice how when fueled, daily activity and exercise helps.

And just as an example since she's on my friends list take this post from above for example:

I haven't lost that much, but I'm the opposite. I used to be a total wimp about the cold, but now that I'm eating more and exercising a LOT more, it doesn't bother me like it used to. I went running in shorts and a tee the other day because it was a "warm" 47F. I didn't get my heavy winter coat out of the closet until temps got below 10F.

She eats a fair amount, she exercises, she's warm.

Absolutely, but agree with the post about layering... I have taken to having on shawl on when it gets really chill in the house, and I may look like a little old Granny, but hey, I can then function normally, do the jobs that need to be done! And one bonus of having lost weight is that I can get tights on much more easily, so legs stay warm.
Another problem is that if I fall there is not so much cushioning, so can damage myself more easily.... so if I am going out on uneven surfaces, I might take a walking stick!
Next thing will be an ear trumpet, glasses and a little lace cap! Then I will really feel my age!!!

Yes, but to be fair the weather here has been quite a bit colder colder in recent years than it used to be.