Shedding a few pounds as the temperatures warm up and gaining them back when the cold returns is a cycle most people can relate to. After all, we want to look good poolside during the summer and may feel safe hiding under bulky winter sweaters. However, many people don’t realize that the seasonal patterns in weight loss and weight gain are more than behavioral. In fact, our biological tendencies, daylight patterns, and the ambient temperature of an area play a role in weight changes, which makes behavioral choices an even more critical factor in year-round weight management.
According to Dr. Lawrence Cheskin of Johns Hopkins Weight Management Center, people gain on average five to seven pounds during the colder months. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons for this and how you can leverage this knowledge to optimize your own weight and overall health.
