Winter Weight Gain - A Common Problem

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Winter weight gain is a common problem that most of us experience. It seems that no matter what we do, we all end up putting on at least a few pounds over the winter months. As summer approaches and thoughts turn to annual holidays on some sunny isle, the specter of wearing bikinis or any form of swim wear often brings a feeling gloom as we consider those extra pounds gained over the winter. Thoughts of diet and extra exercise spring immediately to mind though not without some trepidation.

Each year it appears that many of us go through this cycle of piling on the weight over the winter and then trying desperately to lose it again come the summer months. If that were not enough of an issue there is also the niggling truth that most try to avoid thinking about, namely the fact that the extra pounds gained annually are never all quite lost again. Thus each year this underlying trend results in many of us becoming heavier in real terms. But what can be done about it other than dieting and exercise and why does it happen in the first place.

Interestingly, the answer to the question of why we experience winter weight gain lies in our genetics. Storing fat for the winter is common to many animals including humans and it is basically a survival mechanism. Having extra layers of fat helps to protect the body against the cold; and of course way back in the mists of time the fat was used by the body as extra fuel when food stocks would fall in the early spring. It is likely therefore that without being entirely conscious of it, we automatically eat a bit more during the autumn/winter months; however, as food is now generally plentiful in the western world there is no longer the need for this fat storage process. Unfortunately, our bodies being programmed to do this continues to store fat anyway.

Weight gain is also heavily influenced by hormone levels and because they interact with various brain chemicals, changes to appetite and even the onset of certain cravings can occur as a result. Brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters can and do affect the way we eat.

Consequently, an overweight individual is likely to be lacking in these chemicals and as a result his/her appetite has become excessive thus encouraging the individual to eat far more than he/she needs. It is also interesting to note that many overweight people also suffer from depression and even sleep disorders, both afflictions that result from low levels of these brain chemicals.

Another issue that causes weight gain during the winter is the shortness of the daylight hours resulting in a deprivation of sunlight. Some individuals react quite badly to this lack of light and go on to develop seasonal affective disorder (SAD). In order then to relieve the symptoms of SAD, which is really depression brought on by the winter season, many turn to high carbohydrate foods to boost their mood. Foods such as sugary treats, chips and cereals give a quick sugar fix which makes the individual feel better for a little while. However, after a short time, that individual will find that he/she needs another fix and then another. Thus, this type of food and manner of eating is effectively addictive and habit forming. When the individual then tries to lose weight he/she will find that the addiction to high carbohydrate foods combined with an almost compulsive desire to eat makes it very difficult to overcome these habits.

Although thankfully, most people do not have such an extreme problem with winter weight, many of us despite our best efforts will still find that we have put on extra pounds by the end of the season. If we work at it we can lose most of this seasonal fat however, a very common outcome is that an extra pound or two remains each year and as the years go by we get bigger and bigger.

The good news is though that if we make a point of becoming actively aware of the food that we eat during the cold months, we can actually turn the problem around. It does take a certain amount of self-discipline and determination but it is achievable with the right motivation.

Where the question of motivation for weight loss is concerned what could be more motivational than giving consideration to the long term health benefits which can be achieved via the consumption of good nutrition and taking up regular exercise. It may sound a bit boring or even a case of stating the obvious but for those who wish to give themselves the best chances for a long, healthy and enjoyable life it really is the only option. There are no shortcuts in this regard though some may feel that surgery is effective and a quick way to shed body fat. Consider however, a few of the draw backs to this method, such as pain for a start, the fact that all surgical procedures carry a terminal risk and then there is the potential of being left with ugly scarring which can occur for a variety of reasons.

To conclude therefore, it is my personal view that no matter how much weight an individual may wish to shed, the first step is making the decision to change bad eating habits, start eating good fresh nutrient rich food and taking regular exercise. Winter weight gain will soon be overcome and your health and general wellness will definitely be improved which will have a great all round effect not only on your physical body but on your emotional health and well being thus raising your quality of life overall.