Winter months encourage binge eating

The dark winter months motivate binge eating in certain susceptible individuals. Researchers at the University of Irvine have been looking at the factors that make some people susceptible to eating disorders, where binge eating is a significant symptom. In a new study, they find that the length of day can be significant, with lack of sunshine encouraging more eating.

This appears to be a little different from the comfort eating that many of us might indulge in during the winter months. The researchers found that people who were evening types, preferring to eat in dimmer lighting, were more likely to binge. It's not clear why this is, but if such people become overweight and decide to diet in the New Year, they're doomed to failure. Counsellors could, perhaps, help them identify these weak points and devise a healthy eating plan that works, whatever month of the year it is.