With the cold weather, many people notice that a typical evening at home under a warm blanket often ends with a trip to the refrigerator for something hearty and calorie-dense. Scientists and doctors describe this not merely as a weakness of character, but as a combination of physiological and psychological reactions of the body to the cold.
According to doctors, cold weather can indeed increase appetite and the desire to eat high-calorie foods. This is related to several factors: the body expends more energy to maintain temperature, and the decrease in sunlight lowers serotonin levels—a neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood and appetite.
Psychologists and nutritionists have their own explanation for this phenomenon: during cold periods, the brain activates survival mechanisms, resulting in fatty and hearty foods being perceived as sources of energy and emotional comfort. This may be accompanied by a release of dopamine—the 'pleasure' hormone—which helps compensate for the lack of warmth and light.
In winter, situations of emotional overeating are also more common—the need to 'eat away' stress, boredom, or fatigue, which exacerbates the desire to choose richer baked goods, hot dishes high in fat, and sweets. This paradoxical effect is related not only to physiology but also to psychological factors.
Meanwhile, scientists note that the actual need for additional calories in winter is not as great as is commonly believed. Although the cold may slightly increase energy expenditure, modern living conditions (warm homes, clothing, transportation) mitigate the need for a significant increase in food energy.
It is also important to note that an increase in appetite during cold weather does not always indicate a nutritional disorder. However, if the craving for food becomes obsessive, accompanied by feelings of guilt or loss of control, it may be a sign of emotional or compulsive overeating that requires consultation with a specialist.
Overall, experts recommend viewing winter eating habits from a scientific perspective: understanding one’s physiological reactions, distinguishing true hunger from emotional impulses, and choosing balanced and nutritious foods to maintain health during the cold season.
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