By Iryna Bychkiv | Wealth of Geeks
The United States Centers of Disease Control (CDC) reports their latest population data from 2023 shows, in 23 states, more than one in three adults (35%) is considered obese.
Last year, USA Facts noted that U.S. obesity rates have tripled over the last 60 years.
Many Americans worry they’re more apt to gain weight during the winter. Not only are people generally less active, it seems like everywhere you turn there’s new holiday treats or a fun, food-laden get together to attend. It takes effort to resist temptation — and it can be doubly hard when you feel like you’re the only one trying.
Carrying excess body weight has been found to specifically increase the chances of developing chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer.
Even once you take off some weight, many struggle to maintain a smaller size, due neuroendocrine changes that happen when you lose weight. There are literally chemicals in your brain that influence your body to regain the “missing” pounds.
Weight Gain Traps
While there is ongoing debate, a medical study published last year finds the winter months or holiday season is responsible for up to 50% of the weight a person gains throughout the year. And those extra pounds and ounces are less likely to be shed during the rest of the year.
But suppose you do control your eating. That’s not the only place the calories come from.
According to MedlinePlus, a 12-ounce can of soda averages 150 calories. A 12-ounce can of “light” beer has between 95 and 110 calories, while other brews can rack up 150 calories or more per can. Eggnog, even without alcohol, contains 200-350 calories per 8 ounce glass.
Mixed drinks are even more calorie-dense. The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSP) reports a margarita averages between 200 and 300 calories. Wine isn’t much better. According to CSP, a 6-ounce glass of red or white wine clocks up about 150 calories, and the count goes up from there. You don’t even want to
Temperature Affects Activity
But wait, when it’s colder, my body burns more weight, right?
Sure — if you don’t crank up the heat, or wrap yourself in a dozen layers. And even then, you’re not heading out for a 5-mile hike, or riding your bike. Most people are far more sedentary in the winter months — whether because it takes more effort, or because the environmental changes affect humans on an emotional level.
We also tend to eat more energy dense foods, more often – or in unusual intervals, and veer off our normal habits. That can impact how much we eat, how hungry we feel, and if you’re visiting family may alter your sleep patterns, especially if they live in a different time zone.
Seasonal Eating
Doctors and nutritionists recommend eating more fruits and vegetables year round, which our modern food supply allows, although it does impact the environment. But it takes self-control, or a well developed habit to reach for a piece of fruit, or snack on some tasty chicken rather than the decorated sugar cookies or cinnamon rolls.
And no, eating fruit pies, or even pumpkin pie doesn’t count. Even if you don’t add ice cream or whipped topping, there is an abundance of sugar in the pie filling. Not to mention the gluten in the pie crust. Which isn’t bad for everyone, but does tend to “stick to your bones” a little longer and harder.
Instead of alcohol or sweet soft drinks, you should make an effort to drink water. Even in the winter months, dehydration is a potential factor and you need to make sure your body is well lubricated. Drinking water also helps relieve feelings of hunger. Clinical studies show that 37% of people mistake thirst for hunger because thirst signals can be weak.
The researchers on the obesity study found that making conscious habits, like self-weighing and intermittent fasting can significantly impact the amount of weight gain over the holidays. Again, it takes effort, but everything worth having does.
Keeping the pounds off in the face of holiday temptations takes discipline and commitment, but it’s an achievable goal. Just remember, it’s okay to indulge a little — as long as you are aware of it.
This article was produced by Media Decision and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.
