In a paper recently published in the journal Obesity Reviews, new research has indicated a link between obesity and rising indoor temperatures. The paper examines the increase in indoor temperatures as it relates to obesity in the United Kingdom and the United States. In particular, the researchers looked at how exposure to colder temperatures could help regulate energy balance and body weight.
The research was directed by Dr Fiona Johnson, from the department of Epidemiology & Public Health at University College London (UCL), stating "increased time spent indoors, widespread access to central heating and air conditioning, and increased expectations of thermal comfort all contribute to restricting the range of temperatures we experience in daily life and reduce the time our bodies spend under mild thermal stress.” Therefore, we are burning less energy, which ultimately has a negative effect on weight and obesity. Many people focus on the diet and exercise aspects of their weight-loss routines, but fail to recognize environmental factors such as winter indoor temperatures which could contribute to an increase in weight gain over time.
The research suggested that lowering winter temperatures indoors could lead to a decrease in weight gain. Within this study, time was also been spent investigating the role that brown adipose tissue (essentially brown fat) played in human heat production. Brown fat has the ability to burn energy in order to create heat. This is thought to be prompted by being exposed to cold temperatures. The researchers found that increased time spent in warmer conditions can lead to a loss of brown fat thus reducing the ability to burn energy. Overall if we expose ourselves to cooler temperatures there may be positive effects for our health, including the ability to curb weight gain in the future.
So, just because it’s another snowy winter in Central New York doesn’t mean you have to hibernate till the spring. The Syracuse area has a wide range of winter activities to get you going. For starters, how about finally learning how to ski or snowboard at any of our local ski areas. Find out who they are by visiting the “Ski Areas of NY” Website here. If your not much for mountains, you could go ice skating in Clinton Square, or maybe just go to Beaver Lake for some snowshoeing and cross country skiing! All of these will get you outside and accustomed to that cooler air that may just help with maintaining a healthy weight.
The full article can be found here.
