Winter weight gain keeps us padded, warm

AUSTRALIANS are expected to gain 15 million kilograms of body fat this winter, according to a study of seasonal eating habits.

The findings are drawn from a national survey of 1250 people commissioned by the New South Wales Food Authority and the state’s Health Department.

Television’s Biggest Loser trainer Michelle Bridges says cold weather leads people to fall back into bad habits.

“We exercise less when it’s cold and dark, stay indoors more and we seek comfort in fast food, snack food and takeaways,” she says.

With one in four Australians obese, doctors and nutritionists are stressing the need for healthier meal choices.

“This message is particularly important for younger people so they can

The study found more than half of the population, or 59 per cent, understand weight gain is caused by exercising less and eating more fast food.

But 90 per cent say they eat more fast food and snack food during the colder months because it makes them feel warmer and happier.

The study found men are more likely to accept they will grow heavier over winter.

Fifty-three per cent of males expect to gain between two and five kilograms, compared with just 38 per cent of females.

Almost half of Australians expect to put on two or three kilograms of hibernation weight.