Why do we gain weight and crave soups and cakes in winter? Understand how metabolism changes

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WINTER SWEEPS IN?

When the thermostat drops, your body begins its performance to maintain a balmy internal environment of approximately 37 degrees celsius. You shiver as part of a knee-jerk reaction to combat the cold. These muscle tremors are essentially mini-workouts, involuntary contractions that generate heat and raise your metabolic tempo. It’s your body’s rapid-fire way of producing warmth, and while it might not be the most graceful jig, it’s a powerful metabolic booster.

Then there is the brown fat – the body’s internal heater. Brown fat, unlike white fat, burns calories rapidly, producing heat without the shakes and shivers. It’s an additional push to keep the warmth circulating.

WHAT ABOUT HORMONES: THYROXINE AND CATECHOLAMINES

Thyroxine (a thyroid hormone) and catecholamines (which include adrenaline) finetune your metabolism, ramping up the tempo as needed to ensure that every cell in your body stays toasty.

WHY IS THERE AN INCREASED APPETITE?

Your body calls for more fuel as your internal combustion engine works harder. That’s why you crave hearty stews, cake, fritters and energy-dense snacks. Studies suggest that, globally, many people experience an increase in body weight during winter. An analysis published in the New England Journal of Medicine indicated that the average weight gain in the United States during the winter holiday season is around half a kilogram. The winter appetite triggers a caloric pile-up.

WHY DO WE SLOW DOWN?

The chill means we reduce outdoor physical activity, reducing our overall energy expenditure. Gyms might see fewer attendees and morning jogs might become less appealing. This means that despite the heightened metabolic rate, the energy outflow may not exceed or even match the energy intake, especially if we consume more calories than our metabolism can handle.

HOW WEIGHT PILES UP?

Given the increased appetite and potential decrease in physical activity, it’s not uncommon to end the winter with a bit of extra body weight. This can be the body’s way of improvising a natural insulation layer. According to some statistics, it takes an average of five months for most individuals to lose the weight gained during the winter season. However, it’s important to note that the overall influence of cold weather on weight is a complex interplay of factors and varies from person to person. For some, the extra expenditure on heat production could lead to weight loss if not matched by an increased calorie intake.

HOW DO WE ADAPT OUR LIFESTYLE?

Winter doesn’t have to mean weight gain; it’s an opportunity to harmonise our diet and exercise with our metabolic melody. Embracing activities like indoor swimming, yoga, or even joining a dance class can keep the calories burning and the heart warm. So that we are not overloaded by spring.