Typically, most of us try and lose weight in time for the summer. As the weather starts turning colder and the days become darker, it’s common to ease off our diets and exercise plans.
So, why exactly is it so hard to lose weight in winter? Here, we’ll look at the struggles of winter weight loss and why there has been a rise in enquiries for weight loss surgery.
A switch to comfort food
As the weather gets colder, it’s common to switch to more comforting foods. Hot, comforting meals are just what we feel we need when it’s cold and miserable outside.
However, this year there is also the Covid effect. Studies have shown that comfort food can cause more weight gain during stressful times. Stress can naturally lead to comfort eating so combine the pandemic with the colder weather, and it’s easy to see why comfort eating can become an issue.
The cold weather
Another reason we struggle to lose weight during winter is because of the cold. In summer, it’s easy to push yourself to get outdoors and exercise. However, when the weather is cold, all you want to do is curl up by the fire. Colder weather causes you to feel more lethargic, which means you need to make extra effort to exercise.
How can you lose weight in winter?
Although it can be more difficult to lose weight during winter, there are some tips you can follow. Maintaining a good diet and resisting binging on comfort foods is a great start. Look for comforting yet healthy recipes you can try.
You should also keep up with your fitness routine. If you can’t face exercising outdoors, focus on indoor workouts. If you find it difficult to exercise due to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), invest in natural daylight bulbs and SAD aids.
Cosmetic surgeons have seen a particular rise in weight loss surgery enquiries. If diet and exercise alone aren’t helping, surgery may be required. However, it’s important to talk through your options with a weight loss surgeon to see whether surgery is right for you.
Losing weight during winter isn’t easy, but it is possible. Understanding how the season affects weight loss can help you to plan ahead. Follow the tips above to ensure you don’t gain weight this winter. If you are struggling, you may need medical intervention such as surgery or medication.