With the coming of cold days and the shortening of the day, many people tend to move less and consume more warm, calories – rich foods. Studies suggest that autumn and winter, especially the holiday season, can be accompanied by weight gain.
A 2000 study published in the scientific magazine New England Journal of MedicineWith 195 adults involved, it showed that participants averaged 0.37 kg during the holidays. In March their weight averaged 0.48 kg higher than September.
According to scholars, this additional weight was not completely lost during spring and summer. And participants tended to overestimate weight gain, thinking that they had gained more pounds than they showed measurements.
Less Physical Activity During the Winter
One factor that can contribute to weight gain is a reduction in physical activity. Research shows that people tend to move more during the summer, while in winter they spend more time sitting and indoors.
In the study mentioned, those who reported lower physical activity or greater hunger increased weight.
A lack of light can affect an appetite
Short days and a lack of exposure to sunlight can also affect humor and eating habits. According to the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health, an increase in appetite and a desire for carbohydrates can be symptoms of seasonal environmental disorder that appears in some during certain periods of the year.
Research has found connections between seasonal depression and increased appetite, consumption of calories, and the desire for foods rich in carbs. These changes, however, do not affect all people equally.
How can weight gain be prevented?
According to researchers, maintaining a regular level of physical activity can help limit weight gain during winter and holidays.
Regular weight monitoring and caring for eating habits can also be beneficial. While scientific evidence of some of these measures remains limited, maintaining movement and a steady routine can help manage weight during the cold months.
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