Many people associate winter with weight gain due to the holidays and less time spent outside. However, with a plan in place, you can prevent packing on the pounds during this season.
According to Dr. Mir Ali, medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at California’s Orange Coast Medical Center, the majority of winter weight gain is due to dietary factors. He advises being mindful of carbohydrate and sugar consumption, and being less cautious with protein and vegetable intake. Additionally, alcohol consumption should also be monitored as it adds extra calories.
Contrary to popular belief, Dr. Kunal Shah, an assistant professor in endocrinology at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical Center, stated that there is no scientific evidence to support the idea that our bodies tend to store extra fat during the colder months like hibernating animals.
Research published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that individuals tend to gain weight during the winter irrespective of changes in dietary or exercise habits. The study indicated that seasonal weight gain is not significantly related to lifestyle pattern changes.
When it comes to alcohol consumption during the winter season, it’s important to have a plan in place. Dr. Dina Peralta-Reich, director of New York Weight Wellness Medicine, suggests being mindful of the amount and type of drinks consumed.
If you do end up gaining a few pounds during the winter, it’s essential to be kind to yourself. Dr. Shah advises aiming to maintain your weight during this time rather than focusing on weight loss, as this approach seems to work well for most people.
