Party kilos exposed: this is how much you gain on average during the holidays

December’s temptations are numerous and irresistible. It is therefore understandable that we don’t simply ignore these treats. And why would you? This month you are allowed to indulge. But how much extra weight does this culinary abundance bring on average?

The supermarkets are full of all kinds of goodies for months before it is Christmas at all. So chances are you’ve already snacked on some of them. Are you afraid that all that tasty food has sat on your hips? Fortunately, that turns out to be not so bad.

According to a 2016 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the average American’s weight goes up by 0.4 percent during Christmas. This means an average weight gain of half a pound, according to the study.

The aftermath

What the study also showed is that most of these pounds are not gained directly during the holidays themselves, but rather in the ten days after Christmas. This may be because people are already eating much less healthy during the holidays and continue this happily after Christmas, until the new year begins with all its healthy resolutions.

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Half a kilo every year

Although half a kilo doesn’t seem like much, especially when you consider how many treats you’ve eaten, it’s still something to consider. In fact, researchers warn that it’s unlikely you’ll lose this extra weight again after the holidays. The result? Year after year, another half a kilo is added. After a few years, all that party weight gain can accumulate nicely. Ai…

Move

Want to make sure you don’t gain weight but enjoy all the goodies at the same time? Then it’s important to keep moving, according to dietician Milton Stokes. “Unfortunately, many people spend their winters eating much more and exercising much less. If you are consistent in your exercise habits, there is no need to change your diet,” he tells Best Life.

In short, enjoy Christmas stollen, lavish desserts and oliebollen, but try to keep plenty of exercise. A nice Christmas walk with the family can be a perfect idea then!

Source: Best Life, Happy in Shape, New England Journal of Medicine, Adobe Stock