Is it normal to gain 5 pounds in the winter?
"Although seasonal weight gain varies from person to person, there have been surveys that show an average of a five to seven pound gain in weight in winter," says Lawrence J.
On average, research shows that people gain one to two pounds over the winter months. For instance, a study of 195 people at the National Institutes of Health found weight gain of about one pound between late September and March.
Daily weight fluctuation is normal. The average adult's weight fluctuates up to 5 or 6 pounds per day. It all comes down to what and when you eat, drink, exercise, and even sleep.
Since many people can't eat enough in a day or two to actually gain 5 or 10 pounds, if you notice a dramatic increase on the scale, chances are it's due to water, says Anita Petruzzelli, M.D., owner and medical director of BodyLogicMD.
Gaining weight in the winter is actually pretty common. In fact, research shows that weight generally tends to increase more during the fall and winter months than during summer ( 3 ).
Adjective. winterweight (not comparable) (of clothing) Of relatively heavy weight, intended for use in cold winters.
Often the term "winter weight gain" is thrown out as a joking myth or quasi-excuse, but it's more real than we think. According to new research, natural evolution and lack of sunlight can heavily influence us to pack on the pounds when it gets colder.
- Keep moving. While the last thing you might want to do is go outside, don't let this stop you from being active. ...
- Shed extra pounds sooner rather than later. ...
- Plan ahead for warming winter dishes.
First off, cold air tends to also be dry air (or less humid air). The body responds by increasing your breathing rate which, along with the decrease in humidity, increases respiratory water losses. It's not uncommon for people to lose an extra 1-2 liters of water per day in colder climates.
Often the term "winter weight gain" is thrown out as a joking myth or quasi-excuse, but it's more real than we think. According to new research, natural evolution and lack of sunlight can heavily influence us to pack on the pounds when it gets colder.
How long does it usually take to gain 5 pounds?
Gaining 5 pounds may take five to 10 weeks, but treating it like a slow, gradual process ensures you'll add pounds in the healthiest way possible.
It's best to gain weight at a moderate rate to ensure that you're not adding too much body fat and are putting on a fair amount of healthy muscle. A steady pace of 1/2 pound to 1 pound per week -- or 2 to 4 pounds per month -- can usually be achieved in a sound nutritional way.
