Latest news with #CoventryUniversity
BBC News
12-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Pledge to plug West Midlands skills gap to boost green economy
The mayor of the West Midlands has pledged to plug the net-zero skills gap to boost the region's green Parker said he would ensure people in the area would have the skills they needed to take up new jobs being created in "fast-growing green industries".His comments came after a report from Coventry University highlighted the lack of skilled workers in the sector and urged the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to take said he would boost the sector with measures like investing in decarbonising homes or businesses and attracting firms to the region, including electric vehicle battery manufacturers. "It will turbocharge the work that's already begun to build a pipeline of talent to tackle the net-zero skills gap this report rightly highlights," he report made recommendations for short, medium and long-term action that could be taken in the included establishing a green skills centre, creating apprenticeships and collaborate with government and Carl Perrin, Coventry University's associate pro vice-chancellor for research, said: "Green skills are no longer a 'nice to have' - they are a strategic imperative."Businesses that invest in sustainability and workforce development are not only contributing to environmental goals but also unlocking economic advantages." Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Using cold plunges to lose weight? It can backfire, says new study debunking the viral hype
Cold plunges are having their wellness moment. From biohackers and athletes to celebrities and influencers, many are dunking themselves into tubs of icy water in pursuit of improved circulation, reduced inflammation, better mental clarity—and, perhaps most alluringly, weight loss . But new research suggests that this viral trend may not be as slimming as it seems. In a recent report published in Physiology & Behavior and shared by the New York Post, researchers from the UK's Coventry University have uncovered an unexpected consequence of cold plunging: it may significantly increase your appetite, potentially canceling out the calories you burn in the process. Burn now, binge later? David Broom, professor at Coventry University's Research Center for Physical Activity , Sport and Exercise Sciences, explains, 'Ice baths and cold dips have become really popular, with many people hoping they'll help with weight loss. But our findings show that while cold water does make your body work harder and burn more energy, it also leads to eating more afterward—possibly undoing the potential weight-loss benefits.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo And the numbers are telling. In the study, a group of 15 active, healthy individuals—10 men and five women—were asked to spend 30 minutes immersed in either cold water (60°F), hot water (95°F), or room temperature water (78°F). Afterwards, each participant was served a plate of pasta and instructed to eat until they felt 'comfortably full.' — AlpacaAurelius (@AlpacaAurelius) The group that braved the cold water consumed, on average, 240 more calories than the other two groups. This caloric increase nearly matched—if not canceled out—the estimated 250–500 calories burned during the 30-minute plunge. You Might Also Like: Is the 'Cortisol Cocktail' trend worth the hype? What science says might surprise you Why does cold make us crave more? The scientists suspect the phenomenon is tied to the body's thermoregulation processes. After exposure to cold, the body continues to cool down—a process called 'after-drop'—which stimulates regions of the brain responsible for temperature and energy balance. This, in turn, may unconsciously drive people to eat more, even if they don't consciously feel hungrier. Interestingly, participants didn't report increased hunger levels. But their behavior said otherwise. 'It's not that they thought they were hungry,' Broom noted. 'They just ate more.' The contrast therapy craze and calorie confusion This new insight echoes warnings from other experts about the limits of thermal therapies for weight loss. Dr. Hany Demian, CEO of BioSpine and co-founder of Pain Care Clinics, previously told The Post that contrast therapy—the practice of alternating between hot and cold environments, as in traditional Finnish sauna culture—burns 'a very small amount of calories, but nothing significant.' You Might Also Like: Starving to get slim? Water-only fasting trend may be burning more than just fat, experts warn in revealing study He also noted that the post-plunge hunger might result from physiological triggers like stomach muscle contraction and relaxation, rather than actual caloric need. When wellness goes sideways In a culture increasingly obsessed with 'biohacking' and performance-optimized lifestyles, cold plunges have become a status symbol of self-discipline and resilience. But this study invites a note of caution: the benefits of such trends are often nuanced—and sometimes counterintuitive. While cold plunges might improve recovery and mental sharpness, banking on them alone for weight loss might backfire. The body's sneaky compensation mechanism could quietly derail your calorie deficit, one oversized plate of pasta at a time. So the next time you emerge shivering from a tub of ice water, feeling proud of the calories you think you've burned, you might want to reconsider that post-dip indulgence. Because, as this study reveals, when it comes to weight loss, not every plunge is worth the plate.
BBC News
25-06-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Coventry researchers find ice baths make dippers eat more
Ice baths and plunges into cold lakes and rivers could make aficionados eat more, university researchers have Coventry University team believes appetite is affected by something called the "after-drop", where people's core body temperature continues falling even after they of the brain which sense changes in body temperature and energy levels may cause bathers to crave more food as a natural response, they David Broom said the findings conflicted with popular thinking that icy dips could help with weight loss. Cold water swimming and ice baths have exploded in popularity in recent years, with proponents arguing their benefits for a range of phenomena, from burning extra calories, to improved mental health. Prof Bloom led tests on their impact on appetite and food intake, along with PhD student Marie Grigg from Coventry University's Research Centre for Physical Activity, Sport and Exercise study involved 10 men and five women, who were all healthy and active, spending 30 minutes submerged in cold water, warm water, or sitting in a room at 26C, in tests carried out over several researchers found those in the cold water - kept at a temperature of 16C - ate about 240 extra calories afterwards compared to those in 35C water or at room temperature."Ice baths and cold dips have become really popular; with many people hoping they'll help with weight loss," Prof Bloom said."Interestingly, people didn't say they felt hungrier during or after the cold water - they just ate more."Ms Grigg said more research was needed on the after-drop effect to determine whether repeated cold-water dunks could lead to long-term weight gain."Our findings show it is important to put strategies in place to avoid over-eating after cold water immersion," she added. Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
New York Post
19-06-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Beloved wellness trend promises health benefits — but instead it causes weight gain, shocking many
They're supposed to slim you down — but ice baths might actually be plumping you up. The frigid wellness fad beloved by celebs and influencers could be backfiring, new research suggests. Cold plunges — long touted for easing sore muscles and torching fat — may crank up your appetite and make you gain weight, originally reported on by the Daily Mail. In a study, volunteers took 30-minute dips in tubs set at 95°F, 79°F and a chilly 61°F before an all-you-can-eat pasta test. The colder the water, the increased hunger levels — those in the iciest pool scarfed down over 200 extra calories. 3 Ice baths and cold plunges promise to burn fat — but they might just fire up your appetite and pack on pounds instead. mojo_cp – Talk about a chilling twist. Study lead Marie Grigg, a PhD researcher at Coventry University, told the Daily Mail it's still a mystery why icy dips spike cravings. She noted that 'further research is required to identify if the after-drop in core temperature is a potential mechanism responsible for compensatory food intake post cold-water immersion.' With cold plunges trending, experts warn the icy fad could backfire for anyone counting on it to shed pounds — and might force weight-loss pros to rethink their playbook. New York City trainer Natalya Alexeyenko has a theory. She said to the outlet, 'During cold water immersion, the body kicks into thermoregulation mode — blood vessels constrict, heart rate rises, and metabolism revs to keep your core warm.' But once you get out, she explained that your body keeps cooling — an 'after-drop' — and sends a strong signal: 'We need energy now,' even if you're not hungry. 3 Cold plunges are heating up online — but experts say the frosty fad could sabotage your slim-down goals and leave weight-loss pros scrambling for a new game plan. Nander – The catch? Many of us answer that call with calorie bombs, packing on pounds. Her advice? Skip the snacks and 'refuel smart' with lean proteins, complex carbs, leafy greens — and don't forget a 'warm drink' to tame the urge. Ice baths and cold plunges may also blunt muscle growth and carry serious risks like hyperventilation, hypothermia, drowning or even cardiac arrest as the body fights icy shock. As The Post previously reported, cold water squeezes your blood vessels then pops them open, boosting circulation. But health expert François Haman recently noted to Yahoo Life, 'Assuming everybody responds the same way to cold is extremely dangerous.' He added, 'I've had some people have a lot of difficulties in the cold; other people had no issues.' 3 Cold plunges might chill your gains — and your ticker. Experts warn the icy trend can stall muscle growth and trigger dangerous side effects like hypothermia or even heart failure. Alexander – Still, plenty of ice bath fans swear by the benefits. Dutch extreme athlete Wim Hof credits cold therapy and his breathing techniques for boosting body and mind, though research calls the inflammation benefits 'promising' but not definitive. Dr. Craig Van Dien, a rehab specialist, told Forbes there's only 'low-quality evidence' that cold plunges aid depression or recovery — but they can ease muscle soreness. Bottom line? 'Understanding your medical comorbidities and what risk they pose is extremely important before cold plunging,' Van Dien advised. He also stressed that people with heart or lung issues, diabetes, asthma, or chronic conditions should check with a doctor first. So before you dive in headfirst, remember: that icy plunge or bath might not be the skinny miracle you hoped for — it could be the chill that fills you up instead.
Free Malaysia Today
17-06-2025
- General
- Free Malaysia Today
How to deal with passive-aggressive people at work
When faced with a colleague who is passive-aggressive, responding with direct aggression can be counterproductive. (Envato Elements pic) PARIS : They accept your requests with a smile, then conveniently 'forget' every deadline. They compliment you on your presentation, pointing out that they can 'finally' see your efforts. Or they suddenly disappear from your online work chats without explanation. These colleagues have mastered the art of passive-aggressive behaviour, that invisible form of violence that poisons the air without leaving a trace. These behaviours, particularly prevalent in the workplace, constitute a form of covert aggression that is difficult to identify and combat. Unlike open conflicts, they play on ambiguity and leave those on the receiving end helpless in the face of indirect but repeated attacks. The psychological impact can be devastating, including loss of confidence, chronic stress, feelings of isolation, and constant questioning of one's own perceptions. The good news is, understanding the psychological drivers behind passive aggression can help you protect yourself. Such behaviour stems from a desire for status and hypersensitivity to criticism, as Daniel Waldeck and Rachael Leggett from Coventry University explain in an article on The Conversation. Vulnerable narcissists use these strategies to maintain their position without exposing themselves to direct criticism. Being excluded from an event at work or having their ideas ignored can trigger a defensive reaction. Rather than openly expressing their frustration, they opt for indirect methods. These mechanisms manifest themselves in warning signs that are easy to recognise once identified. Social exclusion is one of the preferred tactics: avoiding eye contact in meetings, remaining silent in response to work-related messages, or deliberately excluding certain individuals from team communications. Backhanded compliments are another weapon of choice – 'Well done on that presentation. You did a great job, for once'- planting doubt under the guise of kindness. Added to this are indirect criticism, which involves 'innocently' sharing embarrassing anecdotes in public, and sabotage through procrastination. The latter involves systematically postponing shared tasks until the last minute, turning the passive-aggressive person's personal urgency into collective stress. Research on this subject reveals that repeated exposure to these behaviours causes anxiety, depression, and a significant drop in self-esteem among victims, accompanied by a growing sense of powerlessness. The psychological impact of having to cope with passive aggression include loss of confidence, stress, feelings of isolation, and wondering if one's own perceptions are accurate. (Envato Elements pic) When faced with this kind of behaviour, responding with direct aggression is counterproductive and only fuels the cycle of tension. There are several effective approaches to regaining control. Setting clear boundaries is the first line of defence. For example, calmly express your expectations by saying, 'I've noticed that you haven't responded to my messages for three days. I'm available to talk when you're ready to communicate.' At the same time, 'grey rocking', a technique that involves becoming as uninteresting as possible during interactions, deprives the other person of the emotional reaction they seek. So, if faced with a barbed question like, 'Are you leaving already?', a simple 'mmm' discourages further provocation. Always make sure you protect your mental well-being. Resist internalising comments from passive-aggressive colleagues by reminding yourself that their behaviour reflects their own insecurities. Cultivate your personal life and friendships outside the office to maintain perspective. If these problematic behaviours come from your superiors, document everything: emails, incidents, dates, etc. This traceability will protect you if the situation escalates. Don't hesitate to alert HR with concrete evidence or seek support from trusted colleagues. The goal is not to change the passive-aggressive person's behaviour but to control your own reactions to it, to create an environment where such behavior becomes ineffective. By focusing on what you can do, you regain control of your professional experience. Remember that their power ends where your indifference begins.
