Healthcare (Commonwealth Union) – When December rolls around, Christmas festivities are in full swing. But before diving into endless after-work drinks or summer parties, take note: fresh research from University of South Australia (UniSA) reveals that Christmas is prime time for weight gain.
The holiday season is a time filled with joy, celebration, and, often, an abundance of delicious food and drink. As we gather with friends and family, it’s easy to get caught up in the festivities and overindulge in our favorite treats. While a few days of indulgence may seem harmless, excessive consumption of food and alcohol can lead to a variety of health issues and leave us feeling less than merry. It is important to explore the potential consequences of overindulging during the holiday season and offer and look into ways on how to enjoy the festivities without compromising your well-being.
Consuming more calories than your body needs can lead to weight gain, which may be difficult to lose after the holiday season. Overindulging in alcohol can result in headaches, nausea, fatigue, and dizziness the following day.
In a groundbreaking study, University of South Australia researchers discovered that in December, alcohol consumption skyrockets to 70 percent above the yearly average. Meanwhile, intake of non-alcoholic beverages like juice and soft drinks climbs by 30 percent, and sweet and savoury snacks see a 10 percent increase.
Interestingly, the research highlights that Australians tend to indulge more during summer, regardless of whether the weather is warm or cool. This challenges the common perception that people eat less in the heat of summer than in the cold of winter.
With two-thirds of Australian adults and over a quarter of children facing issues of overweight or obesity, identifying high-risk periods for weight gain is crucial for improving public health.
Dr. Rachel Curtis, a UniSA researcher, explains that these findings create valuable opportunities to implement targeted dietary interventions.
Dr. Curtis points out that Australian adults typically consume too many discretionary foods and not enough from the five essential food groups—fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy, and protein, where this imbalance contributes to the rising rates of overweight and obesity.
She indicated that the festive season, especially around Christmas, often sees a spike in indulgence as people relax, celebrate, and catch up with loved ones. This is when healthy eating habits are most likely to slip.
She further pointed out the fact that by studying seasonal dietary trends, they can better plan interventions for times when unhealthy food choices are more common. She gave an example, of their research finding that eating just 570 extra kilojoules (136 calories) per day in December can lead to about 0.5kg of weight gain over the month. While this may seem minor, repeated annual indulgence can add up over time if not addressed.
As summer approaches and long-range forecasts predict warmer temperatures, Australians are advised by the researchers of the study to pay attention to their dietary choices and strike a balance with healthier alternatives.
“It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you don’t eat as much over summer because it’s hot – but when you start to count up the celebrations, catch-ups and Christmas drinks, it’s very easy to leave caution to the wind,” explained Dr Curtis.
“A quick drink here, an extra party pie or mini quiche there…the numbers add up, so we need to be mindful of healthier alternatives. And swapping out a cracker for some veggie sticks and dip could be an easy option. Or choosing an iced water over a soft drink.
“No one wants to miss out on Christmas treats. But remember to be mindful of making healthier choices. It could save you a lot in the long run.”
