It’s hard to find the bright side to this winter’s frigid temperatures, but scientists have discovered it: The weather can freeze you skinny…or something like that. New research in the journal Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism shows that exposure to cold temperatures can affect how much energy you burn. And luckily, you don’t have to stay outside in the Canadian winter to reap the benefits. We’re not talking about full out cryotherapy, in which extreme cold can be used to provoke weight loss through boosting the metabolism. This is a slightly more humane approach. Apparently, considerably turning down your thermostat can do the trick. A Japanese study reviewed by the researchers found that those who spent two hours in 63-degree Farenheit temperatures for six weeks saw a decrease in body fat. According to researchers, the prolonged exposure to cold can cause your body to produce brown fat, which burns calories. And mildly cold temperatures cause your body to use that fat to warm up. Although they don’t recommend turning off your heat entirely, keeping the conditions closer to the outdoor temperatures can offer a healthy change—and an easy way to help keep your weight in check. Want more weight-loss tips? We’ve got 10 great ideas. (Photography: Thinkstock)