Keep Your Weight Loss Goals on Track by Limiting Light at Night

Nov 11, 2010 Patti Sayle

Light at night may derail your weight loss goals - Freepixels.com

Weight loss is affected by many different factors including diet, increased physical activity and sleep. However, sticking to a strict diet, being physically active, and sleeping more does not guarantee weight loss. A new study published in the October 11, 2010 issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science of the United States of America (PNAS) has demonstrated that exposure to low levels of light at night can derail weight loss efforts, and contribute to a person's risk for obesity, a serious health condition that can increase a person's risk for diabetes and hyper tension.

Researchers studying male mice, housed them in three different environments, the first with bright light, the second with dim light and the third incorporated a light/dark cycle. They found that the mice exposed to light at night gained more weight than mice housed in the light/dark environment.

Weight loss depends on finding the right balance; sleep patterns impact on all of the body's functions, including food intake, and physical activity. Researchers found that mice exposed to light during the night had a higher body mass index, and reduced glucose tolerance, which the Canadian Diabetes Association has identified as being two significant risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes, than mice housed in the light/dark environment; even though the mice in all three environments were eating the same amount of food, an getting the same amount of exercise. Mice in the light/dark environment consumed most of their calories during the light phase, while mice in the other two groups consumed substantially more calories later in the day, a risk factor for weight gain.

Researchers report in their article: "Light at Night increases body mass by shifting the time of food intake:"

"These results suggest that low levels of light at night disrupt the timing of food intake and other metabolic signals, leading to excess weight gain."

Although this study has not yet been tested on human subjects, it provides useful information about some of the ways that people trying to lose weight can better their chances of success. Sleeping with the television off, and not working late on the computer may increase your chances of success in achieving weight loss goals.

References

Fonken LK, Workman JL, Walton J, et al. "Light at Night increases body mass by shifting the time of food intake" PNAS. October 26, 2010 vol. 107 no. 43 18664-18669. Available at:

http://www.pnas.org/content/107/43/18664.abstract?sid=05517f07-942e-4b90-b1da-febca57d8637

Canadian Diabetes Association. Are you at Risk? You could be one of many Canadians who have type 2 diabetes and don’t know it. Available at: http://www.diabetes.ca/Files/are-you-at-risk.pdf

Best Health Blog. News: Light at night may lead to obesity. Available at: http://www.besthealthmag.ca/blog/post/news-light-at-night-may-lead-to-obesity

Copyright Patti Sayle. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.

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