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Dr. Kim Mulvihill ReportingHere’s another thing we can blame the weather for... being overweight! A new study out of Baylor University says blame it on the weather. Researchers discovered that people who live in extreme temperatures -- hot or cold -- are more likely to be overweight.
Researchers found a difference even after controlling for other factors like age, diet, and smoking. Extreme heat or cold may be part of the reason you can't shed those few extra pounds. Researchers discovered people who live in extreme temperatures are more likely to be overweight.
The difference is slight, just over half a percent, but significant when applied to the whole population.
They examined data from the National Weather Service and the CDC and found that wherever temperatures hover above 85 or below 25 people weigh more. But how do you get people to exercise in weather like this?
Evan Johnson, Personal Trainer: “If you can kind of challenge them in the gym first and then say, ‘Hey, let’s go outside,’ they get kind of addicted to that. It’s just like any behavior, once they start seeing results you can kind of get them outside no matter what.”
It may feel uncomfortable, but since weight is a major risk factor for heart disease, working out in the heat or cold could also save your life. But of course you need to be careful. Bundle up if you're exercising in the cold and drink plenty of water when it's hot outside. Experts also suggest making your workout shorter in extreme weather.
