Emerging research provides a compelling explanation for winter weight gain. Scientists have found that blue light from sunlight causes fat cells just beneath the skin to shrink.
"When blue wavelengths of sunlight—the visible light—penetrate the skin and reach subcutaneous fat cells, lipid droplets shrink and are released from the cells. In essence, these cells store less fat," explained the study's senior author.
"Conversely, limited sunlight exposure promotes fat storage, contributing to the seasonal weight gain many experience in winter," he added.
The researcher stresses that this is a preliminary observation, and excessive sun exposure is not a safe or recommended weight loss strategy.
