New evidence now links our body’s natural internal clock and exposure to light with an increase for obesity.
Researchers noted waist size, height and body weight of over 1,100 people at the start and end of the study period.
After 21 months, participants who were exposed to too much light in the late evening and during the night were more likely to see their waist size increase. Researchers also noted those who spent a longer time exposed to light levels in the morning were more likely to see their waist size reduced.
Getting more light, especially sunlight first thing in the morning is certainly beneficial for one’s health. Obesity is a complex disorder and increases your risk of heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. So, to help you prevent it, here are my prescriptions:
Partha’s RX on Obesity Prevention
1. Follow a healthy eating plan
Choose foods that promote a healthy weight and healthy lifestyle most of the time.
2. Monitor Your Weight
Those who weight themselves once a week are often more successful in keeping off the pounds.
3. Be Active and Exercise Regularly
It takes roughly 150 to 300 minutes a week of exercising moderately to prevent weight gain.
4. Reduce Recreational Screen Time to 2 Hours Per Day
Watching TV and playing videogames is fun, but it limits time for physical activity. And it keeps you from getting other things done like finishing projects, planning healthy meals and spending time with loved ones.
Researchers measured light exposure in lux and they found 3 lux or more had an impact. To give you an idea of what this means, sitting by a window during the day would be around 1,000 lux. So 3 lux is very little. I’d recommend avoiding TV, smartphones and bedroom lights at night.
