Weight loss is a recurring goal for many people. However, it happens that as soon as they are lost, they are found! This is called the yoyo effect.
However, it is normal for weight to vary throughout life, and even throughout the year: depending on holiday periods or even depending on the days of the week. However, this can lead to weight gain in the long term. In any case, these are the conclusions of a study by the University of South Australia. Their results are published in the journal JAMA Open Network.
The risk of weight gain would be greater in winter, but why?
To carry out their research, the specialists followed a panel of 375 Australians aged 18 to 65. They had to wear a “fitness tracker” and had to weigh themselves at least once a week. Two periods were of particular interest to researchers: the end-of-year holiday periods (bringing together Christmas and New Years), and the Easter period.
Over the period measured, researchers found that participants tended to gain weight during the holidays. More precisely, they specify that during the end-of-year celebrations, the participants saw their weight increase by 0.65%, or approximately 546 grams. During the Easter period, participants gained an average of 0.29% of their weight, or around 244 grams.
Did you know ? Weight may vary depending on the days of the week.
More surprisingly, the researchers discovered that weight could vary depending on certain days of the week. Indeed, as the researchers summarize in the press release, “we lose weight during the week and gain it on the weekend. Each week, the weight fluctuates by 0.3% (approximately 252 g)”. More specifically, the authors note that participants were, on average, heaviest on Mondays and Tuesdays, before decreasing throughout the week. However, the researchers specify that this daily variation was “not significant” because it amounted to 0.01% of weight.
Through this annual monitoring, the researchers discovered at what time of year the participants had the most weight. According to specialists, the participants were “significantly heavier in summer than in all other seasons”. Conversely, the period when they were lightest was autumn. During the winter period, the authors note that weight gain was greatest.
Australia records two peaks in weight gain per year, compared to one for countries in the northern hemisphere
But this rhythm is not the same everywhere in the world. “In Europe and North America, people’s weight typically goes up and down once a year – in winter, in summer – while our results revealed that Australians’ weight cycles twice a year, like a yo-yo – in summer, down in autumn, up in winter, down in spring” explained in a statement Professor Carol Maher, principal investigator of the study. Researchers believe this leads to long-term weight gain.
“People tend to gain weight gradually as we age, but knowing when these weight spikes are more likely to occur can provide us with valuable information to target key times,” continues the researcher. The latter reminds us that it is important to maintain a stable weight, in particular through regular sporting activity as well as a balanced diet.
Source : Weekly, Seasonal, and Festive Period Weight Gain Among Australian Adults – JAMA Open Network
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