Recent research and experts reveal that warmer weather can suppress appetite, while colder seasons tend to increase food intake, highlighting potential opportunities to reset eating habits through seasonal changes.
Warm weather can naturally soften appetite, while colder months often push people towards eating more, according to nutritional experts and recent research.
In a televised interview on Cairo News Channel, nutritional consultant Ruba Al-Abbasi said the body has built-in mechanisms that adjust food needs according to temperature. She said people often feel hungrier in winter because the body needs more energy to stay warm, whereas summer heat can reduce the body’s drive to produce energy, which in turn lowers appetite. Al-Abbasi also said eating in summer is not always about hunger, noting that emotional eating and social occasions can also shape food choices.
Her comments are consistent with guidance from the Cleveland Clinic, which says hot weather can suppress appetite as the body tries to avoid overheating, while dehydration can further blunt hunger. The Mayo Clinic likewise notes that seasonal mood changes can affect eating patterns, with some people experiencing increased appetite and weight gain in autumn and winter, though a smaller number may eat less in spring or early summer. Research published on PubMed also found that older adults living alone were more likely to report reduced appetite in summer than in winter.
Other studies point in the same direction. Nature Index has reported that colder months are often linked with higher energy intake and less activity, while warmer seasons tend to bring more outdoor movement and lower calorie consumption. A separate study in the International Journal of Gastronomy and Food Science found that food spending and the number of dishes rose in very cold conditions, but fell in hot weather.
Al-Abbasi said summer can be a useful time to reset eating habits and manage weight more easily, provided the diet remains balanced and does not leave gaps in nutrition. She recommended increasing vegetables, fruit and chilled drinks with nutritional value, and suggested smoothies made with milk and fruit such as banana, strawberry or watermelon as practical options for hot days.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
