The Science Behind Why You Feel Hungrier In The Winter – News18

Last Updated:December 19, 2024, 10:04 IST

Increased hunger during winter is natural, as the body needs extra energy to stay warm and function efficiently. Here’s why we eat more in the colder months

Increased energy demand leads to a rise in appetite and can result in rapid weight gain. (News18 Hindi)

People often feel hungrier during winter, and this change occurs due to natural processes in the body. As winter arrives, the body requires more energy to stay warm. This increased energy demand leads to a rise in appetite and can result in rapid weight gain. By understanding these bodily processes, we can better comprehend why we tend to eat more in winter.

According to a Times of India report, increased hunger during winter is a normal phenomenon. It helps the body maintain its temperature and gather the energy it needs to function efficiently. Here are a few reasons why we tend to eat more in winter:

Increased Energy Requirement

In winter, the body needs extra energy to fend off the cold. To stay warm, the body burns more calories, which triggers signals that make us feel hungrier.

Boosted Metabolism

The body’s metabolism naturally speeds up during winter, allowing it to burn more calories to maintain warmth. This process also heightens appetite as the body demands more calories.

Storing Calories

During winter, the body instinctively tries to store extra calories for future use. This mechanism helps protect against the cold by accumulating additional energy reserves. Consequently, hunger increases, and we tend to eat more.

Changing Eating Habits

In colder months, people are drawn to hot, freshly prepared, calorie-dense foods such as soups, carrot halwa, and fried snacks. These foods provide more energy, which further fuels the appetite. Consuming warm meals offers comfort to the body, naturally increasing the desire to eat.