Science has answers.
Why We Gain Winter Weight.
It’s not all in your head. We gain weight in the winter for a number of reasons. If you live in a cold region that experiences the seasonal change of winter, you have probably experienced a small to medium weight gain.
2. Fat storage.
In the winter months our brain tells our body to increase insulin resistance, our liver increases fat production, and our adipose and non-adipose tissues store fat to prepare. Some animals store food away for the winter, humans appear to store away fat in their bodies.
3. Hibernation mode.
The insulin-resistant state we enter in the winter transforms into an insulin-sensitive state around late winter/early spring. The brain’s command center (hypothalamus) is greatly affected by our changing circadian rhythm. Our brain tells our body to produce less dopamine (a key factor for insulin resistance). Low dopamine has also been associated with obesity and Type 2 diabetes.
4. Changing metabolic cycle.
Blood sugars rise in the early winter and fall towards spring. This is a result of our changing metabolic cycle. Despite the foods we eat and the activity level we engage in, it appears that the seasonal changes alone can affect our metabolism.
Embracing Seasonal Changes.
Spring and summer are quickly approaching and present a great opportunity to get active, get outside, and get moving. If you suffer from painful symptoms that prevent you from engaging in the physical activities you want to enjoy, check out our selection of Pain Relief Products today! Click on the following link to learn more about weight loss.
Sources:
- Hatipoglu, Betul MD. How the Seasons Can Affect Your Body’s Metabolism. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved from https://health.clevelandclinic.org/2015/12/how-the-seasons-can-affect-your-bodys-metabolism/