Introduction
If the amount of energy consumed is equal to the amount of energy intake, the body's weight remains unchanged despite regular turnover of the energy reserves. The main component of this system is appetite, and various external and internal factors influence it. Exercise and exposure to the cold are two situations that increase energy expenditure. These circumstances also stimulate appetite and lead to an increased intake of energy. Some data suggests that the climate may have an impact on their hunger. Energy consumption is shown to be reduced in warm environments due to a combination of factors, including decreased physical activity and climate-related effects on hunger.
What Are the Causes of Increased Appetite in Cold Temperatures?
The following are some potential causes of increased hunger in cold climates:
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Palatability of food.
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Cold temperatures.
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Seasons.
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Emotional factors.
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Changes in physical activity levels.
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Palatability of Food: The palatability of food has a significant impact on consumption. A recent report demonstrates that the subcutaneous fat layer of young Eskimos (those between the ages of 9 and 19) was twice as large in 1990 as in 1970. This change is because these children were fed the traditional Eskimo diet in 1970, which was high in protein and fat and low in carbohydrates. In 1990, on the other hand, they were fed modern Western foods like popcorn, ice cream, chocolate bars, and soft drinks. This shows the adverse impacts of a "cafeteria" diet on people.
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Cold Temperature: Exposure to cold is often thought to stimulate hunger, in contrast to heat. There appears to be little evidence to support this theory in two studies: one conducted in the Arctic by Lewis et al. (1960) and another in the Antarctic by Milan and Rodahl (1961). Both studies have demonstrated a significant increase in body weight between the end of summer and the onset of winter. The body weight did not fluctuate over the colder months, suggesting that food intake was moderate and appetite was not overstimulated. This research has concluded that cold temperatures do not directly affect the amount of food consumption.
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Season: It has been observed that some people experience depression and increase their eating throughout the winter. According to Rosenthal et al. (1985), the illness known as SAD (seasonal affective disorder) syndrome has been linked to increased appetite during the winter. It has been shown that exposing these individuals to more daylight may improve their symptoms. Since this illness is uncommon in large populations, it is unlikely to explain the increase in body weight.
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Emotional Factors: Emotional factors play a significant role in appetite. Loneliness and depression lead to overeating in some individuals.
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Physical Activity: Modifications in physical activity habits could also be linked to the increased energy intake in cold climates. When athletes or those on a long-term physical activity program abruptly stop exercising, it is common for them to experience a sharp increase in body weight. This occurs due to the consumption of energy remaining constant for a while despite a decrease in expenditure. When sedentary people participate in regular physical activity, the condition becomes reciprocal. It is common for these people to experience rapid weight loss, which could be because of increased calorie intake to meet the new demands. The appetite takes time to adapt to variations in energy expenditure. Many populations have shown the rise in body weight seen in colder climates. It is a psychophysiological reaction to a particular environment.
How to Deal with the Winter Cravings?
Research indicates that people with cravings in winter typically consume refined carbohydrates (white bread, biscuits, and cakes) and sugar. Evidence suggests that cravers have an increased body mass index compared to non-cravers. It is clearly demonstrated to hurt their weight gain. These carbohydrates provide a burst of energy, but they may also trigger an ongoing pattern of excessive increases in blood sugar. It further leads to the need for more refined carbohydrates or sugary snacks to satisfy the blood sugar need. These dietary choices cause weight gain and a lack of the necessary nutrients to stay healthy over the winter.
Consuming protein and fiber-rich meals and snacks regularly is essential. They make it fuller for longer and balance blood sugar levels, reducing cravings for sugary snacks and bad, unprocessed carbohydrates. It is essential to choose the main meals wisely during the winter. Eating according to the season is more helpful.
Research has shown that eating seasonally has a major impact on satiety mechanisms. Every season has its own set of foods. According to Chinese tradition, the best foods to eat during the winter increase kidney energy. These include seeds, rice, spices, chestnuts, carrots, and cabbage. Nutritionists from the East and the West agree that warming spices and herbs have a role in the winter. They include cloves, ginger, pepper, nutmeg, oregano, mustard, and cinnamon. These meals have a significant role in promoting blood circulation.
Conclusion
The brief exposure to mild cold causes a rise in energy expenditure that can be utilized to change the energy balance. The moderate rise in energy expenditure can avoid weight gain or even encourage modest weight loss if sustained over longer periods. Lower temperatures can cause thermal discomfort and may adversely affect the heart and metabolism, particularly in people with low metabolic responses to cold.
Also, only some participants will show a rise in energy expenditure during a cold exposure due to variability in the body's sensitivity to cold. It will take extensive research examining the effects of reducing ambient temperature on body weight, cardiovascular risk factors, adiposity, and thermal comfort to determine whether short-term exposure to mild cold is a useful strategy for preventing obesity.
