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Do You Gain Weight In Winter?

Do you notice the number on the scale creep up during the grey in months between the holidays and spring? You’re not alone. Many of us bemoan dreaded winter weight gain around this time of year. But contrary to popular belief, there’s no scientific evidence to prove that we’re biologically predisposed to weight gain in the colder months. Unless you’re a bear, that is. “We do know that in [hibernating] animals there will be seasonal changes in hunger hormones, but there really is nothing to suggest that that’s true in people,” says Dr. Yoni Freedhoff, medical director of the Bariatric Institute in Ottawa.

That said, our behaviour in colder months may lead to winter weight gain for some of us. Here are three reasons why you’re more likely to gain weight in the winter and how you can break the habit.