Oh, how joyful, oh, how greasy...

After hundreds, if not even thousands, of additionally consumed calories, many of us fear stepping onto the scales after Christmas. Objectively, they undeniably reveal that we might have gained one or three more kilos. But is this fear justified and does this phenomenon truly afflict society as a whole? In recent years, scientists tried to answer these very questions and quantify the actual weight gain during the holidays. Bold numbers on calorie intake and weight gain are frequently published, especially during Christmas time. Thus the British Dietetic Association postulates that an average person in the United Kingdom alone consumes 6000 kcal on December 25 and an additional 500 kcal each on subsequent holidays. Although current studies show that there is a significant weight gain during public holidays, this weight gain is rather moderate and amounts to only about 500 grams. Even though this might not be a dramatic increase in weight, the holidays can still have a negative effect on our health.

A US study looked at the body composition among college students between Thanksgiving and New Year and showed that their body weight remained generally stable, but the percentage of fat increased. Depending on the distribution pattern, adipose tissue can affect body functions and increase the risk of many diseases (TOFI - thin on the outside, fat on the inside). Gaining half a kilo of weight seems unproblematic at first. However, epidemiological data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that those between early adulthood and middle-age gain between half to one kilogram annually. Cumulatively, this slight weight gain can lead to overweight and obesity over the years. Holidays and their associated weight gain could be one of the key factors in long-term weight changes.

Frequently stepping on the scales can already raise our weight-awareness and help counter excessive weight gain. Sole weighing, however, is limited in its significance. For a precise assessment of the nutritional state, we need to know our body composition. The bioimpedance analysis is a simple and reliable method. It allows a non-invasive and accurate measurement of fat, muscle mass and total body water. Based on this, accurate statements about the current nutritional and health status can be made. Holidays are the time to get together with friends and family and should be in the spirit of treating ourselves. Therefore, it is not necessary to count every single calorie. However, as in many other aspects of life, it is also important to pace ourselves during these festive times in order not to be surprised by the scales.