Want to shed the pounds? Then you may want to get more sunlight. New research has revealed that the timing, intensity and duration of your light exposure during the day are all linked to your weight. The findings could reveal a way for people to help manage their weight a bit more easily.
So how exactly did researchers find out about the association between light exposure and weight? The scientists examined people and their light exposure during the day. In the end, they found that people who had most of their daily exposure to moderately bright light in the morning had a significantly lower body mass index (BMI) than those who has their light exposure later in the day.
"The earlier this light exposure occurred during the day, the lower individuals' body mass index," said Kathryn Reid, one of the researchers, in a news release. "The later the hour of moderately bright light exposure, the higher a person's BMI."
In fact, the scientists found that the influence of morning light exposure on weight was independent of an individual's physical activity level, caloric intake, sleep timing, age or season. They also discovered that the light accounted for about 20 percent of a person's BMI.
"Light is the most potent agent to synchronize your internal body clock that regulates circadian rhythms, which in turn also regulate energy balance," said Phyllis C. Zee, one of the researchers, in a news release. "The message is that you should get more bright light between 8 a.m. and noon."
The findings reveal the importance of sunlight to a person's health. More specifically, it reveals that one of the tools to managing a healthy body weight and potentially help people lose weight.
"Light is a modifiable factor with the potential to be used in weight management programs," said Reid in a news release. "Just like people are trying to get more sleep to help them lose weight, perhaps manipulating light is another way to lose weight."
The findings of the new study were published in the journal PLOS One.
