Weight loss tip #199: Soak in the sunlight to lose weight

Make best use of the early morning sun.

By: Sandhya Raghavan | | Updated: November 20, 2017 6:48 pm

Tags: Exposure to sunlight Sunlight Weight loss tips

Gloomy weather: When you’re PMSing, there is a sudden drop in the hormones oestrogen and progesterone. This affects how you feel and interferes with the production of serotonin — an essential chemical in your brain. The lack of serotonin in your brain has been associated with depression, irritability and cravings — all of which lead to the mood swings. Less sunlight and the gloomy weather further reduces serotonin levels.

Are you afraid of the sun? Here’s are two good reasons why you shouldn’t be and both have nothing to do with vitamin D. Number one: A study has found that soaking in the vitamin D-rich sunlight is associated with weight loss. According to the research published in The Journal of Pharmacology & Pharmacotherapeutics, people who exposed themselves daily to the sunlight had a significantly lower Body Mass Index (BMI) than those who don’t. The study has found that the timing, intensity and duration of your sun exposure have an impact on your weight loss.¹ Also Read - 6 morning habits that can make you gain weight

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However, you can’t reap its weight loss benefits if you happen to sleep late into the day. The researchers who conducted the study pointed out that if you want to take the full advantage of the sun’s fat-melting (we’re guessing) properties, you have to wake up early and expose yourself to the early-morning rays. In practical terms, the researchers stated that for every hour of late exposure, there was a 1.28 increase in the BMI. Also Read - Chew gums and pout often to get rid of double chin

And number two: Another study conducted in 2014 by researchers at Edinburgh and Southampton University explored the sun’s role in curtailing obesity and reducing symptoms of metabolic syndrome in a research conducted on mice. The study suggested that moderate exposure to sunlight and its ultraviolet rays can be good for you if you trying to lose weight. Our skin releases nitric oxide when it is exposed to sunshine. The compound has positive effects on our metabolism and cardiovascular health. The study concluded by suggesting that exposure to sunlight can suppress the development of obesity and metabolic syndrome.²

But stepping out in the sun unprotected without the aid of sunscreen or protective clothing may be foolish. For the tip to work, you should limit your exposure to early morning sunshine and steer clear of the harsh mid-day sun, which is one of the leading causes of skin cancer.

References:

1.Reid, K. J., Santostasi, G., Baron, K. G., Wilson, J., Kang, J., & Zee, P. C. (2014). Timing and Intensity of Light Correlate with Body Weight in Adults. PLoS ONE, 9(4), e92251. http://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0092251

2.Geldenhuys, S., Hart, P. H., Endersby, R., Jacoby, P., Feelisch, M., Weller, R. B., … & Gorman, S. (2014). Ultraviolet radiation suppresses obesity and symptoms of metabolic syndrome independently of vitamin D in mice fed a high-fat diet. Diabetes, 63(11), 3759-3769.

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Published : November 12, 2017 8:22 pm | Updated:November 20, 2017 6:48 pm

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