Surprised by the headline? Thin people may think that with winter coming they will finally put on weight, while heavier people may be dismayed. But it is true: winter brings people various problems, and one of the main ones is weight gain.

Here is why people gain weight in winter.

• Hormonal problems: people with diabetes and thyroid conditions face real challenges in winter. As winter arrives, hormones usually go out of control. Regular check-ups are needed to keep hormones in check.
• Heavy food: many kinds of vegetables are available in winter, and hotels offer a lavish range of new local and foreign dishes, so people eat more heavy food. Warm food can raise body temperature and lift our mood, but too many carbs and fatty foods carry risks. Even so, everyone eats heavy food.
• Physical activity: as winter sets in, the body seems to become lazy. People who used to rise early do not do so in winter, and everyone starts the day a little later. This is a big mistake that makes you gain weight, and physical activity also falls somewhat. Many do not walk or jog properly because of the cold, so the calories taken in through food are not burnt and are stored in the body as fat.
• Dehydration: staying hydrated is a big challenge in winter. Drink 2 to 3 litres of water a day to keep the body healthy at this time, because lack of water causes dehydration, which makes the body feel weak and increases hunger.
• Effect on mood: with less sunlight, many people suffer from seasonal affective disorder. As a result they often eat more or eat unhealthy food, leading to an unhealthy lifestyle, and weight rises along with the cold. To overcome this, try to spend some time in the sun whenever possible.

Source: Banglanews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.