Dear Kayla,

Do you think sunlight made a difference with weight loss? New studies on sunlight exposure are pointing toward its weight loss benefits.

Signed,

Betsy

Dear Betsy,

Generally speaking, I take most “new studies” with a grain of salt. Studies usually contradict each other,* sometimes they are poorly done, or (most often the case) the news reporter’s interpretation of it is inaccurate. Many times, the conclusion is that more studies need to be done, or that there is a correlation. But correlation does not equal causation. Because of all this, I stay on my low-information diet. That is, I don’t watch or read the news, which means I don’t often hear about the latest studies about anything. This has made my life more peaceful, which has made weight loss and maintenance easier. That said, I love science. I simply prefer self-experimentation, a study of one. And sunlight exposure is something I have experimented with. Keep in mind, as always, I am not a doctor, scientist, dietitian, nutritionist, or psychologist. So take everything below with a grain of salt.

In my experience, adequate sunlight exposure makes a difference on the weight loss journey. Being out in the sunlight helps me stay in a better mood. I cannot overstate how important this is for successful weight loss and maintenance. When I am feeling good, everything feels easier. It is easier to get out and take my 6-mile walk, it is easier to fast, and it is even easier to face a higher number on the scale. When I feel positive, my post-weigh-in analysis is more accurate and encouraging. I might point out to myself, for example, that I’ve been stressed, and have been feeling overly full lately. And then I’ll delve into what’s stressing me out, and whether there’s an action I can take, or if simple acceptance is the only path. Then I go about my merry way. This usually works really well, until the weather turns colder.

Though I’ve never been formally diagnosed, I’m pretty sure I’m one of the millions of Americans with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). It’s basically the wintertime blues and is thought to be connected to sunlight deficiency. The trouble is, as winter comes on, the days get shorter and shorter. And the weather gets colder. It’s harder to get yourself outside and get some sunshine. And if you’re wearing long sleeves and pants, then you’re getting even less of the good stuff. Plus, the sun’s rays are more dispersed, so even if you’re outside for the same amount of time, you’re getting far less exposure.

A lack of sunshine can lead to feeling down in the dumps. This is not good on the weight loss journey. When I’m feeling down, I just want to lie down on the couch and do nothing. Even though I know my walk will make me feel better, a Netflix marathon sounds better. It is sheer self-discipline that pushes me away from the couch and outside to walk around. Seeing a high number on the scale on one of these low-mood days is harder. I feel more tempted to rake myself over the coals, instead of being self-compassionate.

When I lived in northeast Georgia, the weather was much colder and grayer, and my SAD was much worse. After moving to Florida, where I can wear shorts for most of the year, things have improved. However, my mood still takes a considerable nosedive during this time of year. I have found harnessing my inner stubbornness to be helpful.

Here are 4 things that I do that have helped:

1. I get myself outside as much as possible.
2. I stay out longer than I really want to.
3. I look for ways I could spend more time outside. For example, I’ll read in my yard instead of on my couch.
4. I remind myself that this too, shall pass. It happens every year, to a greater or lesser extent. I need to take good care of myself, and spring will eventually come. When spring arrives, the positive feelings will come easier.

Lest you think I’m superwoman, know this: there are some days when I just cannot get myself outside. So on those days, I compromise: I’ll walk inside while watching a movie. And while I don’t get sunlight on those days, I at least have a small victory over myself, and that’s something to smile about.

Wishing you all the best,

Kayla

*Don’t believe me? Go to Google news and type “sunlight does not help weight loss.” You’ll find various articles that say you shouldn’t get more sunlight, or that it’s even dangerous to get more sunlight. You can do the same with whatever fad diet is popular. Type in one query, and look at the supporting evidence. Then type in the opposite, and you’ll see supporting evidence. It’s a good way to increase anxiety.