By: Kacie Dickinson , Flinders University

Colder temperatures and all the extra time we spend indoors during winter provide a good excuse to eat more, and indulge in a few extra glasses of wine. But does the weather really influence what we eat, or is it merely a fig leaf for our inherent gluttony?

The good news is that the dreaded winter coat is not inevitable. Changing energy demands for activities like hibernation, migration and reproduction among some mammals mean seasonal cycles of body weight are normal.

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But the absence of some of these seasonal behaviours in humans, along with modern conveniences such artificial lighting and climate control, mean the influence of cold weather on our eating behaviours may be overstated.

Unclear boundaries

When we look at the average body weight of adults between seasons, not all studies report a difference. In research reporting changes, the differences are actually quite small: between around 500 grams and two kilograms between summer and winter. (Post continues after gallery.)

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But most of this research doesn’t tell us if the changes were actually increases in body fat (remember body mass comprises muscle, water, bone and fat).

However, one study of healthy Dutch adults reported waist circumference (a good measure of abdominal obesity) was higher in winter than in summer, among both men and women.

Research has produced mixed results on seasonal differences in diets among different groups of people. Some studies have not observed any daily energy intake changes with the seasons. Others have found that people tend to consume more kilojoules (calories) per day in the cooler seasons compared to warmer months.

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A Spanish study of seasonal variations in food consumption, for instance, found intake of cereals and alcohol was higher among men in winter than in summer. But women had higher intakes of dairy foods, including ice-cream, in summer.

Fruit and vegetable intake also varied according to season, more likely due to seasonal availability.

http://cdn.theglow.com.au/app/uploads/2014/12/HemsleyHemsley.png There’s a popular belief that the attraction to heavier foods such as stews leads to weight gain during winter. (Image via Instagram/@hemsleyhemsley)

Reflecting the findings about small weight increases in winter, research that has found changes in energy intake between seasons didn’t find a very big difference: the range was from 360 to 930kJ per day. This is roughly the equivalent of adding an extra roast potato at dinner, a few biscuits with your cup of tea or a couple of extra glasses of wine to what you’re already eating and drinking.

Feeding myths

It’s commonly thought that we feel hungrier when it’s cold and this leads us to eat more in cooler weather. Research that showed seasonal difference in nutrient intake found meal size was biggest in autumn, and this was related to greater overall energy and carbohydrate intake during that season.

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Another study showed that some people experience a drop in their serotonin levels during winter, which may make them crave carbohydrate-rich foods. It also found people tended to eat their meals more quickly in cold weather.

In an interesting twist, these same people actually felt hungrier after these larger meals, suggesting alterations in appetite responses to meals during the cooler months.

There’s also a popular belief that we tend to eat foods described as “lighter” and “cooler” during summer – think salads and grilled meats – and “heavier” stuff during winter – such as rich slow-cooked curries and pastas – and that this makes us likely to gain weight when it’s cold. (Post continues after gallery.)

Positive celebrity quotes about diets.

Kim Kardashian West

"For me, skinny is just a style of jeans...not a goal."

Drew Barrymore

"I just think you should eat less of everything. A little bit less. I don't want to live a life where you can't have what you want; it just makes you want it more."

Jennifer Lawrence

Jennifer Lawrence said to Us Weekly, "I like food. I don't really diet or anything. I'm miserable when I'm dieting and I like the way I look. I'm really sick of all these actresses looking like birds."

Beyonce

After losing weight for her role in Dreamgirls, Beyonce said to GMTV, ''The funnest part was putting the weight back on and eating my doughnuts and all the other things, so now I'm back to my body."

Adele

It's never been an issue for me - I don't want to go on a diet, I don't want to eat a Caesar salad with no dressing, why would I do that? I ain't got time for this, just be happy and don't be stupid."

Jennifer Aniston

Jennifer Aniston said to Women's Health, "I went from being a crazy workout girl to sort of saying, 'My body wants a little bit a of break.' So I kind of stay with more simple stuff and taking walks and not being neurotic about working out and eating right. I started to enjoy life a little bit more."

Khloe

Khloe Kardashian wrote on her Instagram, "We all have to start somewhere and doing something is better than nothing at all. Start small so you don't get discouraged and give up. Remember it is all about consistency."

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson told Michigan Avenue, "For years, I felt like I could never have ice scream, but now I can eat ice cream occasionally!"

Fergie

Fergie said to Marie Claire, "I have learned more and more to enjoy my body when I have a few extra pounds on, just being more