Research shows that during the winter months, people, especially those who have increased body weight, gain an average of two to three and a half kilograms.
Our bodies need to maintain a temperature of about 36 degrees Celsius, and staying in a cold environment increases the calorie consumption to produce a sufficient amount of heat.
Therefore, people in cold areas, such as the Arctic, consume high-calorie foods, such as whale blubber, to provide the extra energy needed to maintain body temperature.
Although the cold season could theoretically promote weight loss due to an accelerated metabolism, in practice this is not quite the case. People who live in colder regions actually tend to gain weight in the winter because they are less active.
For winter exposure to the cold to lead to weight loss, you would need to spend a lot of time outdoors, which is hard to imagine as a desirable activity. In addition, accelerated metabolism increases the appetite, which is why it is crucial to pay attention to calorie intake and choose nutritionally rich food, writes 24sata.hr.
Some of the reasons why people often gain weight in winter:
Too much sleep
In winter, due to shorter days and longer nights, many people sleep more. Although it may seem like a vacation, winter sleepiness can negatively affect productivity and health.
Dietitian Isabelle Smith advises investing in the right winter clothes to motivate you to get out and start the day early.
Colder weather
Falling temperatures often force people to cut back on outdoor activities. Smit points out that many people give up summer activities such as running or tennis, which can lead to a decrease in physical activity and an increase in body weight, reports 24sata.hr.
Accelerated metabolism
Although a faster metabolism seems to burn more calories, it can actually lead to an increased appetite.
According to research from Maastricht University, our metabolism speeds up to maintain body temperature, which means we need more food to meet these increased energy needs.
Seasonal affective disorder
Lack of sunlight in winter can cause seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a form of depression that negatively affects mood and health. Smit advises to wake up earlier in the morning and be physically active to reduce the effects of this disorder.
Bigger meals
The holidays often bring an abundance of food, which can lead to overeating. While the start of the holiday season can be fun, by the end of December many people are feeling the effects of overeating.
Studies show that people typically gain about a pound during the holiday season, which can be seen on the scale.
Less availability of fresh fruits and vegetables
In winter, there is less supply of fresh fruits and vegetables, which forces many people to consume unhealthy, processed food, rich in calories and fat.
Skipping meals
Many people skip meals during the holidays in hopes of being able to enjoy hearty meals later. But it can negatively affect health and lead to weight gain.
Smit advises to continue with regular meals, instead of turning each meal into a special occasion.
Factor evolution
According to research from the University of Exeter, human biology naturally includes a greater need for food in winter because in times past food was scarcer, so people developed a tendency to overeat in the colder months.
Higher starting weight
People who are already overweight or struggling with weight are likely to gain weight in the winter.
According to a Tufts University study, overweight people typically gain about two and a half pounds during the winter months, while the average person gains about half a pound.
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