A plunge into freezing water has become a worldwide trend, billed as a boost for mental and physical health, an icy dip is said to work wonders.

But the trend – adopted by celebrities the likes of Oprah Winfrey and Princess Cate – could be doing more harm than good.

Professor Mike Tipton from the Extreme Environments Laboratory at the University of Portsmouth told Julie-anne Sprague on 6PR’s Afternoons immersing yourself in icy water causes your body to enter a fight or flight response.

Press PLAY to hear the full health risks behind cold-water baths

Photo: Alexandre Simoes/Borussia Dortmund/Getty Images