It’s best to watch what you eat.
Obesity has become a widespread chronic ailment, ranking as the fifth leading cause of global mortality and strongly linked to conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.
Studies dating back to 2000 have indicated that the winter holiday season, spanning from late November to early January, is a period associated with substantial weight gain. Researchers at Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Iasi, Romania, delved into the dietary habits during this festive season. They observed a trend of excessive consumption of high-calorie, high-sugar foods, alcoholic beverages, coupled with reduced physical activity.
Their analysis revealed that individuals tended to retain the weight they gained during the holidays, particularly those grappling with obesity. Published in Nutrients, this study marked the first comprehensive exploration of nutritional behaviors during the winter festivities, aiming to guide sustainable approaches to weight management.
Historical data suggested that Americans typically gain under one pound during the holidays, but regrettably, this gain often persists beyond the season. These additional pounds, accumulating to over 50% of the total annual weight gain, might contribute to a gradual increase in weight over a person’s lifetime.
Experts, including Dr. Steven Batash, a gastroenterologist at Batash Endoscopic Weight Loss Center, highlighted stress-induced factors during the holidays, such as elevated cortisol levels, potentially triggering increased eating urges. Dr. Batash also mentioned heightened melatonin levels, linked to disrupted sleep patterns and amplified appetite.
According to registered dietitian Kelsey Costa, the abundance of calorie-dense, appealing foods during this period becomes a significant contributor to weight gain, often tied to feelings of comfort and pleasure, making resistance challenging. Workplace and social gatherings further exacerbate this by offering foods that surpass recommended daily calorie intake by up to three times.
Dr. Nilda Agnes Abellera, from Infuze MD and The Superhuman Clinic, reiterated the impact of excess sugar intake and reduced physical activity as primary drivers of obesity. She cautioned against a complacent approach to exercise during this time, emphasizing the importance of maintaining activity levels rather than waiting for the new year to start.
Research spanning the US, Germany, and Japan involving 2,924 individuals showcased weight fluctuations during the winter holidays, with nearly half of the gained weight persisting post-season, indicating long-term effects. Studies also revealed that people with obesity had greater difficulty shedding holiday weight, highlighting the complexity of managing obesity and the need for continual multidisciplinary support.
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