A link between weight and the morning rays of the sun
According to an American study by the Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, exposing yourself to the first morning rays of the sun would be beneficial for weight control.
An American Experience
For seven days, scientists from Illinois conducted research with 28 women and 26 men, about thirty years old. The latter wore an electronic bracelet on their wrist which measured their exposure to the sun as well as their sleep time. A food diary was kept daily by the participants. The authors of this study are Kathryn Reid and Dr. Phyllis Zee, professors of neurology at the university. For them, this study is independent of any physical activity, age, number of hours of sleep or caloric intake that individuals can absorb.
The observation
The volunteers most exposed to natural sunlight in the earliest hours had a lower BMI (Body Mass Index) than those who got up later. Between eight o’clock and noon, the regulation seems optimal . But what is certain is that a body deprived of this natural light can go wrong. Indeed, we have an internal clock within us, which works in harmony with nature. It regulates the circadian rhythm, the one that includes all of the body’s biological cycles and whose duration is approximately 24 hours. This circadian rhythm, in turn, influences the energy balance. Thus, a metabolic disturbance of this system can harm the individual and promote weight gain.
The obtained results
For the two scientists, this morning exposure would regulate 20% of body mass. In fact, the earlier the exposure to natural light takes place in the morning, the more people’s BMI tends to decrease. Light is therefore the key factor that allows the adjustment of the internal clock. It is the specialized journal “Plos One” (1) which presents the entire study.
What conclusion to draw ?
For people who are overweight, but also for everyone else, it is good for your health and metabolism to be exposed to natural sunlight before noon. For the two authors, it is enough to expose oneself for between twenty to thirty minutes regularly every day to have a convincing effect on the Body Mass Index. In addition, the sun is not very aggressive at these times. With use, a nice tan gives, as a bonus, a healthy glow.
One downside though
That this morning exposure does the greatest good to the internal clock is good news. However, it is important to remain vigilant, to continue to practice physical exercise and to eat balanced meals. For weight loss, nothing beats a combination of supposed and proven techniques. Because this study lacks hindsight, remains brief (7 days) and with a reduced total number of people (about fifty).
Stephen Paul is the lead author and founder of My Health Sponsor. Holder of a diploma in health and well-being coaching with more than 200 articles in the field of health, he makes it a point of honor to offer advice based on reliable information, based on scientific research, and verified by health professionals.