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The Christmas feast.

S G Rees, R R Holman, R C Turner

British Medical Journal (Clinical Research Ed.)

|December 21, 1985

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Holiday weight gain is common, with significant increases in weight, plasma triglyceride, cholesterol, and glycosylated hemoglobin levels observed after Christmas. These metabolic changes persisted into the new year.

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Area of Science:

Metabolic health
Nutritional science
Endocrinology

Background:

Holiday seasons are often associated with dietary changes and potential weight fluctuations.
Understanding the metabolic impact of holiday eating patterns is crucial for public health.
Previous research suggests weight gain during holidays, but specific metabolic markers require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the impact of Christmas holiday eating on body weight and key metabolic markers.
To compare these effects in both normal subjects and patients with maturity onset diabetes.
To assess the duration of these metabolic changes beyond the holiday period.

Main Methods:

An observational study involving repeated weighing and fasting blood tests.

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Participants included 22 normal subjects and 13 maturity onset diabetic patients.

Data collection spanned one month before to one month after the Christmas period.

Main Results:

A significant increase in body weight (mean 0.8 kg) was observed in all subjects during Christmas, persisting through January.
Fasting plasma triglyceride and cholesterol levels showed a slight but significant increase three to six days after Christmas.
A subsequent rise in glycosylated hemoglobin concentration was noted, indicating poorer glycemic control.

Conclusions:

The Christmas holiday period leads to measurable weight gain and adverse changes in lipid profiles and glycemic control.
These metabolic disturbances are observed in both healthy individuals and those with maturity onset diabetes.
The findings highlight the need for awareness and potential interventions to mitigate holiday-related metabolic detriments.