
Cold is not the absence of warmth, but the presence of a challenge to overcome.
Different people have different levels of tolerance to hot and cold temperatures. Some people can easily adapt to extreme cold while others can’t withstand even a small drop in temperature even with multiple layers of warm clothes. Some people feel the cold more than others. This tolerance to cold varies from person to person.
Here are some reasons why some people find the cold more unbearable than others:
On an average, women, tend to be more sensitive to cold than men because they have more body fat and less muscle mass than men. This is why their bodies does not generate heat as efficiently. This affects their heat retention and can lead to women feeling colder more quickly.
People with a higher percentage of body fat can retain heat better than those with a lower BMI or lesser body fat who are more sensitive to cold. Higher percentage of body fat makes people more tolerant to cold temperature as the fat acts as an insulating layer, reducing the heat loss from the body. In contrast, individuals with lower body fat may feel colder more easily.
People with a faster metabolism quickly generate more heat, which helps them stay warm. Those with slower metabolisms may feel the cold more because their bodies take more time to slowly produce heat.
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Good circulation of blood helps people keep warm due to better blood flow in the hands and feet, which are the first to feel cold. On the other hand, people with impaired or poor circulation find it harder to retain warmth, leading to a heightened sensitivity to cold. Poor blood circulation reduces the body’s ability to keep warm, making people more susceptible to cold.

People living in colder climates or those who have over time become acclimated or adapted to cold can handle cold better than those not accustomed to cold weather.
Older adults, young children, and people with certain medical conditions may be more sensitive to cold temperatures due to reduced circulation, muscle mass, or other factors. Older adults generally have less effective thermoregulation, meaning they may feel cold more intensely.
Certain medical conditions, like nerve damage, anemia, or conditions like Raynaud’s disease can make a person more sensitive to cold. Hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid gland) can affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature making people more sensitive to cold. These conditions can affect blood flow, hormone regulation, and overall body temperature control.
Mental states and stress levels can influence cold tolerance. Anxiety or fear can cause the body to react as if it is colder than it really is. People experiencing anxiety or stress may feel uncomfortable and perceive cold temperatures as more unbearable.

People Someone who are dressed appropriately are less susceptible to cold than those who are poorly dressed and feel colder more quickly. Wearing inadequate or poorly insulated clothing can make individuals more likely to shiver even in the slightest cold.
Likewise people who are physically active generate more body heat. This makes them feel warmer and more comfortable, than those who are less active because movement generates heat.
Research suggests that genetic variations can affect how people perceive cold temperatures. Individuals with a lower pain tolerance may be more sensitive to cold temperatures.
Past experiences and expectations can also influence how people perceive and respond to cold.
These factors can interact with each other in complex ways, making it difficult to pinpoint a single reason why some people might find the cold more unbearable than others.