Are people gaining or losing weight in the winter? The answer isn’t so simple.
Picture this: It’s negative six degrees. I zip my coat up over three layers (an accomplishment within itself) and I’m ready and determined to go to the gym. But as soon as I take a step outside a huge gust of wind blows my way. I scream out, “Nooooo!” and turn around. Winter weather: 1. My workout plan: 0.
Every year I dread winter. Even though I’ve lived in New England my entire life, I still get shocked when winter comes around and the temperature drops below 32 degrees. Why do I dread it? Well, because it’s really really cold and sometimes this prevents me from doing things I want or need to do, like working out. While warm weather makes you want to spend the whole day outside, the cold brings cravings for warm comfort foods and long sweatpants-filled days perfect for binge-watching Gilmore Girls and F.R.I.E.N.D.S on Netflix. I could go on but you get the picture.
So, as the cold weather rolls in and the pounds pile up, many people might wonder, “Does cold weather make you gain weight?” The answer isn’t so simple. Decreased moving in addition to increased consumption most likely leads to weight gain, which is, unfortunately the formula for many people’s winter days. (Also, it doesn’t help that the holidays and all that over-indulging kicks off the winter season!)
Studies show that the average weight gain over the holidays is 2 pounds , while a recent poll by The Daily Mail found that 59 percent of women reported an average weight gain of 4.5 pounds during winter months. But winter months are also peak ones for fitness and nutrition professionals. Why? Think New Year’s resolutions. Gyms become more crowded from January to mid-February with members on missions to get fit and trim. Weight loss centers and nutritionists’ offices see more appointments.
Now this is confusing. Are people gaining or losing weight in the winter? A combo? To understand if cold weather makes you gain weight, let’s examine how the cold weather may affect one’s nutrition and exercise habits:
Less movement means fewer calories burned and possible weight gain. In the winter, days are shorter and it’s darker earlier. You want more couch time. You’re stuck inside because there’s a blizzard. You walked outside, felt how cold it was, and decided to go back inside (sounds familiar). Let’s face it; cold weather may reduce your exercise patterns.
Rich comfort foods are often energy dense. When it’s cold, most people tend to crave warm comfort foods instead of fruits and vegetables.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of clinical depression due to decreased sunlight and winter’s shortened days, may alter one’s eating habits, causing over or under eating. Individuals with SAD tend to stay inside during the winter, which may lead to a change in eating and exercise patterns.
So, yes, if a person is moving less and consuming more calories — something that happens more during the winter months — they are at a greater risk to gain weight. However, if you want to avoid the outcome of a typical winter weight-gain formula, here are some go-to tips for avoiding weight gain in the cold months:
We’re about halfway through winter. Has the cold weather altered your diet and/or exercise routine? Try to take the time to evaluate your winter lifestyle. Once you’ve done this, you can focus on making positive and reasonable changes toward becoming a healthier you!
*Article previously published in Fiterazzi Magazine
I’m the nutritionist and educator behind Eats 2 Know, LLC. With a simplified approach to nutrition, I showcase that eating healthy is attainable, even if you’re on a budget or crunched for time.
The nutritionist and educator behind Eats 2 Know, LLC.
