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Winter holidays and their impact on eating behavior—A systematic review
The growing prevalence of obesity necessitates a deeper understanding of its causes and the development of effective prevention strategies. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effects of food consumption during the winter holidays, providing a basis for targeted interventions. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, focusing on studies published in English over the last decade that involved adult participants and excluded articles on intermittent fasting or specific holiday weight-loss diets. The analysis included psychological factors in holiday weight gain, behavioral patterns, prevention strategies, and the nutritional composition of festive foods. The search yielded 216 articles using terms such as ‘holiday and obesity’ and ‘festive season and weight gain’, ultimately narrowing down to ten studies with 4,627 participants. Findings indicated that most participants experienced weight fluctuations during the holiday period, with a significant portion of weight gain being retained post-holidays, particularly among individuals with obesity. Effective strategies identified included supervised exercise programs and controlled diets during the Christmas period, especially for those with metabolic syndrome. Additionally, psycho-social factors influencing higher caloric consumption during holidays were noted, emphasizing the need for simple preventative measures. Obesity is a complex condition requiring a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to address its underlying causes. Ongoing support and persistent interventions are critical for achieving sustained positive outcomes in weight management. [NPID: Holidays, obesity, weight gain, christmas psychosocial]
Year: 2023
