The University of Alberta conducted a study in which researchers put fat cells under blue light lamps (the shortest visible light emanating from the sun) for four hours, while other samples were left in the dark. Over the course of two weeks, the two groups had remarkable differences.
On their 11th day of the test, the group of fat cells that were exposed to blue light had fewer lipid droplets ( organelles that contain fat) relative to the cells that were left in the dark. In conclusion, it means that less light means more fat storage, which is why people add weight during months with less sunshine.
Although this is a hypothesis that has not been proven to help with actual weight loss, it only goes to demonstrate how badly we need sunshine to get our cells to do their job properly.
However, reveling in the sun doesn't actually mean avoiding sunscreen and sitting in the sun for endless hours only to lose weight. We also know how ultraviolet rays and skin cancers can be caused by so much exposure to sunlight.
Also, the sun can't cause you to lose weight. Instead, it changes the body in such a manner that your body would be in a healthier condition to guarantee that your weight loss efforts are effective.
However, the findings may pave the way for new weight reduction techniques or light therapy in the treatment of obesity and diabetes.
Another explanation that sunshine can play a part in weight loss is the principle of heat production. When your body's temperature decreases, you'll be more hungry. When your body's temperature increases, you'll be less hungry. Bottom line, cold temperatures can contribute to higher calorie intake, particularly with less sunshine, which can affect your weight.
Not only that, but we all know how we feel slower or lazier in the winter months. Whether it's raining outside, snowing, or too chilly to get out, we're likely to do less work, which causes our body to burn fewer calories. The solution to this: force yourself to continue your physical exercise. It doesn't matter whether it's outdoor or not. Do yoga or run indoors if possible. Your body can always burn calories, even without the sun.
With all these ideas in mind, we can adjust our lifestyle to the needs of our body. When the sun is up, enjoy a good dose of sunlight. When the sun is nowhere to be found, be active, and be conscious of your physical activity.
