We used to believe that the average American adult gained 5 or
more pounds during the holiday season, between Thanksgiving and New
Year. But a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine
(NEJM) in 2000 changed all that. It concluded that the average Holiday
Season weight gain was "only" 1 pound.
But this just didn't sound right. As many of you know, my practice had a weight management division for over 25 years, known as Health Extenders, where we followed a large number of patients for their weight and behavior over long periods of time, including the holiday period. We never believed the 1 pound weight gain, and I still believe it's much higher than that.
Revisiting the NEJM article recently, the study was relatively small, including only 200 people. In reality, the study showed that perhaps 3 pounds were gained during the actual holiday season, and that one of these three pounds was still "retained" during the following 6-9 months. In addition, the study did suggest that, the heavier you are, the more you are likely to gain weight during the holiday season. The statistical variability between individuals was, in my opinion, too wide to render a scientifically valid opinion.
But holiday weight gain is not the only problem. A separate, earlier, study done in Taipei, Taiwan, showed that blood oxyhemoglobin levels (A1C) increase by 0.2% over the holiday season. Abnormally high A1C levels are seen in people with diabetes (a level higherthan 6% is generally considered abnormal). This 0.2% rise could represent an increasing degree of diabetes, or an increased tendency for diabetes in susceptible individuals.
So what's the lesson? Weight gain during the holiday season is still a real problem, which, if it goes unchecked, can lead to ongoing weight gain and all of its complications. Taken cumulatively over several years, this can indeed become a real health hazard.
Especially during this holiday season, please be selective in your choice of foods. Politely reject the fatty cuts of beef, the skin on the chicken, the fried food, and, yes, the white wheat products and sugar. Choose the leaner cuts of meat (even lean pork is OK today), chicken, turkey and fish. Don't forget whole wheat bread and pasta, and use Stevia instead of sugar to sweeten your drinks. Exercise, not only to help maintain a lower body weight, but also as a relaxation method.
Above all, enjoy the holiday season, your friends and family, and drive responsibly.
But this just didn't sound right. As many of you know, my practice had a weight management division for over 25 years, known as Health Extenders, where we followed a large number of patients for their weight and behavior over long periods of time, including the holiday period. We never believed the 1 pound weight gain, and I still believe it's much higher than that.
Revisiting the NEJM article recently, the study was relatively small, including only 200 people. In reality, the study showed that perhaps 3 pounds were gained during the actual holiday season, and that one of these three pounds was still "retained" during the following 6-9 months. In addition, the study did suggest that, the heavier you are, the more you are likely to gain weight during the holiday season. The statistical variability between individuals was, in my opinion, too wide to render a scientifically valid opinion.
But holiday weight gain is not the only problem. A separate, earlier, study done in Taipei, Taiwan, showed that blood oxyhemoglobin levels (A1C) increase by 0.2% over the holiday season. Abnormally high A1C levels are seen in people with diabetes (a level higherthan 6% is generally considered abnormal). This 0.2% rise could represent an increasing degree of diabetes, or an increased tendency for diabetes in susceptible individuals.
So what's the lesson? Weight gain during the holiday season is still a real problem, which, if it goes unchecked, can lead to ongoing weight gain and all of its complications. Taken cumulatively over several years, this can indeed become a real health hazard.
Especially during this holiday season, please be selective in your choice of foods. Politely reject the fatty cuts of beef, the skin on the chicken, the fried food, and, yes, the white wheat products and sugar. Choose the leaner cuts of meat (even lean pork is OK today), chicken, turkey and fish. Don't forget whole wheat bread and pasta, and use Stevia instead of sugar to sweeten your drinks. Exercise, not only to help maintain a lower body weight, but also as a relaxation method.
Above all, enjoy the holiday season, your friends and family, and drive responsibly.
Dr. Igal Staw is a practicing physician with offices in Norwalk
and Fairfield, CT. Over than 30 years in the practice of internal and
pulmonary medicine, with a special passion for preventive medicine,
early detection of potential health problems, and minimizing health
risks. Dr Staw has devoted much of his time to the treatment of
overweight patients. His approach is integrative, using both
conventional and alternative methods, depending on each patient's
individual needs. For more information: http://www.drstaw.com. email: istaw@drstaw.com.
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