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Home > Consumer Focus Archive > Combat Winter Weight Gain
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Consumer Focus: Combat Winter Weight Gain
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Image of man on a treadmill

Combat Winter Weight Gain

Just because it's wintertime doesn't mean you can't exercise! Exercise will help you counteract holiday weight gain, as well as improve your health.

Learn more about:

Obesity has been linked to increased risk of heart disease and stroke, as well as diabetes and cancer. Sixty percent of adult Americans are either overweight or obese. Middle-aged folks are not the only ones susceptible to getting a "spare tire" around their waist. The number of overweight adolescents has tripled since 1980. 14% of those aged 12 to 19 are considered to be overweight, and three quarters of them remain overweight as adults.

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Image of a man in a joggin suit and walkman walking

Getting Started

  • Experts recommend at least three 20 minute sessions of exercise per week. If you are trying to lose a significant amount of weight, 5 times a week may be what you need.
  • Remember, the elderly or people with health problems should consult with their doctor before doing anything strenuous.
  • Some winter chores and activities are good forms of exercise, for example, moderate snow shoveling and ice skating (see warning above).
  • Take the stairs instead of the escalator or elevator.
  • The President's Counsel on Physical Fitness and Sports (PCPFS) has many publications about how to design your own exercise regimen.
  • Fitness.gov (the website of the PCPFS) also has tips about exercise and weight control.
  • Make exercise part of your daily routine. With a treadmill or exercise bike at home, you can watch your favorite TV show while you burn those calories.

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Image of a woman walking

Take A Walk!

  • If you ride a subway or bus to work, get off one stop early to get some extra exercise.
  • If you live in a climate with little or no snow and ice, consider taking a walk after dinner each night (but not too close to bedtime). Be sure to be safe when you walk outdoors. Stick to well-lighted, familiar areas, and walk with a partner if it makes you feel more comfortable.
  • AARP has tips suitable for people of all ages about how to get the most out of a "walking workout." For example, pump your arms to increase calorie burn by 20%.

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Image of a exercise bike

Shop Wisely

  • If you are considering buying a device that "guarantees" weight loss with little or no effort, check with the Federal Trade Commission to see if it is really effective and safe.
  • If you purchase exercise equipment at a consignment shop or yard sale, check with the Consumer Product Safety Commission to make sure the item has not been recalled.
  • If you work in an office building or live in an apartment complex, check to see if there is a workout room on the premises. You may be able to workout for free or at a discount. If there is not a gym on the premises, ask your supervisor or your apartment building's rental office if use of a nearby gym could be arranged.

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Other Resources

This is just a brief overview. For more information check out these resources.

Read these publications online or order them from FCIC:

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* Names of resources and organizations included in this online article are provided as examples only, and their inclusion does not mean that they are endorsed by the Federal Citizen Information Center or any other Government agency. Also, if a particular resource or organization is not mentioned, this does not mean or imply that it is unsatisfactory.

*If you click on these links, you are leaving FCIC's website. Please bookmark us before you leave so you can return easily. FCIC is not responsible for the content of these websites.

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