25 Popular Facts That Are Actually False

Humans Lose Most of Their Body Heat Through Their Heads

The Head Heat Loss Myth
For years, people have been told that humans lose the majority of their body heat through their heads—often cited as 70% or more. This myth has been used to justify wearing hats in cold weather, but it is not entirely accurate. The amount of heat lost from any part of the body depends on its surface area and whether it is covered. The head accounts for about 10% of the body’s total surface area, so it is unlikely to be responsible for the majority of heat loss. The myth likely originated from a misinterpretation of military studies conducted in the 1950s, where soldiers were tested in cold environments while wearing insulated clothing but no hats. Naturally, most heat escaped through their uncovered heads, leading to the misconception. In reality, heat loss occurs evenly across exposed skin. If you’re dressed warmly but leave your head uncovered, you will lose heat from your head, but the same would happen with any other uncovered part of your body. The key to staying warm is to cover all exposed areas, not just the head.

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