Central heating and double glazing may be playing a key role in the spread of obesity in the UK and other developed countries, researchers claim today.
Improved heating of homes means that people get less exposure to cold during the winter – and have less need to burn body-fat to keep warm, according to the analysis by researchers at University College London, UK.
The experts even suggest that turning down the heating might help people to slim down.
Researcher Dr Fiona Johnson said: "Increased time spent indoors, widespread access to central heating and air conditioning, and increased expectations of thermal comfort all contribute to restricting the range of temperatures we experience in daily life and reduce the time our bodies spend under mild thermal stress – meaning we’re burning less energy.
"This could have an impact on energy balance and ultimately have an impact on body weight and obesity."
Fellow researcher Marcella Ucci added: "The findings suggest that lower winter temperatures in buildings might contribute to tackling obesity as well reducing carbon emissions."
Could increased time spent in a thermal comfort zone contribute to
population increases in obesity? Johnson F, Mavroggiani A, Vidal-Puig A, Ucci M, Wardle J. Obesity Reviews January 25 2011
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