8 reasons why you gain weight in the winter

2023-12-13 2023-12-13T09:33:13Z

Arabia Weather - With the beginning of the winter season, a question comes to mind about the effect of this season on body weight, as several questions arise, including:

Why do some people gain weight during this period? What factors may contribute to weight gain during the winter? How can this unwanted increase be avoided?

The nutritionist at Al-Ahli Hospital in Qatar, Amani Al-Najjar, speaks about these questions. Al-Najjar points out that weight gain may be inevitable for many people as a result of multiple factors and habits. She explains that a reasonable increase in weight during the winter ranges between two to three kilograms per day. The cold period can be tolerated, but exceeding this limit should be avoided.

Al-Najjar points out that this weight gain occurs as a result of eating a large amount of calories more than the amount that the body burns, which leads to the accumulation of the surplus and the appearance of weight gain. Therefore, Al-Najjar provides important nutritional advice to maintain a healthy weight during the winter season, which includes diversifying the diet. Diet and avoid excessive intake of sugars and fats, in addition to practicing regular physical activity.

Reasons for weight gain in winter

Seasonal depression and its effect on appetite

The association between winter and low mood, which leads to avoiding exercise and resorting to eating as a means of entertainment.

Boredom and emptiness

Feeling bored and empty can lead individuals to eat mindlessly, contributing to weight gain.

Preference for sweets in winter

In the winter, many people turn to eating sweets rich in sugar as a way to raise morale.

Hot foods associated with winter

Increase consumption of high-calorie foods such as sahlep drink, sugar vermicelli, and hot chocolate.

Lack of awareness of weight gain; Because of thick clothes

Wearing thick clothing can hide weight gain, making a person often not notice changes in their physical appearance.

Oversleeping

The desire to sleep for longer periods in the winter may lead to increased appetite and decreased motor activity.

Decrease in the feeling of thirst and its effect on drinking water

Not feeling thirsty can lead to consuming small amounts of water, causing metabolic disturbances and weight gain.

4 steps to avoid weight gain in winter

Sun exposure

There should be attention to exposure to sunlight in the winter, as these rays play a role in regulating hormone levels in the body, which reduces mood swings and reduces the temptation to eat large amounts of food.

Playing sports

Weight gain can be avoided in the winter by exercising regularly, such as walking, weightlifting, yoga, and Zumba, to stimulate the body to burn more calories.

Follow a healthy diet

You should follow a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, due to their high fiber content, which enhances the feeling of fullness and helps maintain weight.
It is recommended to avoid fatty, sugary, processed and packaged foods; Due to its high calories.

Drinking water

You should pay attention to drinking a sufficient amount of water in the winter, as it plays an effective role in reducing the feeling of hunger, enhancing metabolism, and cleansing the body of toxins, which helps in losing weight.