How the month you’re born can determine if you’ll get FAT – are you at risk?

1 week ago 14

SCIENTISTS have long disregarded astrology.

It assumes certain aspects of your personality can be determined by your ‘sign’ – the day and month you are born.

GettyThe month someone was conceived can influence their metabolism[/caption] Woman measuring her waist with a tape measure.

GettyThose born in the summer are more likely to suffer from weight issues, scientists say[/caption]

But new research suggests the month you are born may have more to do with your health than you might think

People born in September, October and November are more likely to be skinnier and have less fat around their organs compared to those born in April and May, a new study reveals.

Experts in Japan have discovered that people conceived in colder months have more active brown fat – the special type that burns calories to keep you warm.

That means higher energy use, lower body mass index (BMI), and less dangerous fat around internal organs.

Since the coldest months are usually December, January and February, it’s people born in September, October and November who are most likely to benefit from this advantage.

On the flip side, July and August – the warmest months – line up with birthdays in April and May, when this fat-burning edge is less likely.

The study, by researchers at Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, suggests that weather and atmosphere at the time of conception can influence your long-term health.

Previous studies have linked the time of year people are born to their overall health.

One piece of research, published in Elsevier in 2015 found those born in summer are more likely to be heavier at birth and taller as adults than those born in the cooler months.

The new study, published in Nature Metabolism this month, looked at 622 men and women between the ages of three and 78.

They were grouped based on whether they were conceived in cooler months – between October 17 and April 15 – or warmer ones, from April 16 to October 16.

Those created in the colder period showed higher brown fat activity, which the researchers linked to better thermogenesis (your body’s ability to generate heat by burning calories), lower BMI, and less visceral fat.

Crucially, parents who were exposed to greater temperature swings and lower averages just before conception seemed to pass this benefit on.

The team said brown fat activity appears to be “preprogrammed” by exposure to cold before fertilisation – and interestingly, it may be dad’s exposure that’s key.

Earlier research hinted that cold weather can leave a kind of molecular “imprint” on sperm, which influences the embryo’s metabolism and ability to handle colder climates.

Commenting on the study Raffaele Teperino, from the German Research Center for Environmental Health, said: “Parental health during conception and gestation can affect offspring development and health.

The NHS 12-step plan to help you lose weight

FROM faddy diets to dodgy detoxes - most of us have heard it all before when it comes to weight loss.

But burning fat can be easy and mostly free.

In fact, the NHS has a whole load of medically-approved tips for weight loss and shedding body fat once and for all…

Don’t skip breakfast
Skipping breakfast will not help you lose weight. You could miss out on essential nutrients and you may end up snacking more throughout the day because you feel hungry. Eat regular meals
Eating at regular times during the day helps burn calories at a faster rate. It also reduces the temptation to snack on foods high in fat and sugar. Eat plenty of fruit and veg
Fruit and veg are low in calories and fat, and high in fibre – 3 essential ingredients for successful weight loss. They also contain plenty of vitamins and minerals. Get more active
Being active is key to losing weight and keeping it off. As well as providing lots of health benefits, exercise can help burn off the excess calories you cannot lose through diet alone. Drink lots of water
People sometimes confuse thirst with hunger. You can end up consuming extra calories when a glass of water is really what you need. Eat high fibre foods
Foods containing lots of fibre can help keep you feeling full, which is perfect for losing weight. Fibre is only found in food from plants, such as fruit and veg, oats, wholegrain bread, brown rice and pasta, and beans, peas and lentils. Read food labels
Knowing how to read food labels can help you choose healthier options. Use the calorie information to work out how a particular food fits into your daily calorie allowance on the weight loss plan. Use a smaller plate
Using smaller plates can help you eat smaller portions. By using smaller plates and bowls, you may be able to gradually get used to eating smaller portions without going hungry. It takes about 20 minutes for the stomach to tell the brain it’s full, so eat slowly and stop eating before you feel full. Don’t ban foods
Do not ban any foods from your weight loss plan, especially the ones you like. Banning foods will only make you crave them more. There’s no reason you cannot enjoy the occasional treat as long as you stay within your daily calorie allowance. Don’t stock junk food
To avoid temptation, do not stock junk food – such as chocolate, biscuits, crisps and sweet fizzy drinks – at home. Instead, opt for healthy snacks, such as fruit, unsalted rice cakes, oat cakes, unsalted or unsweetened popcorn, and fruit juice. Cut down on alcohol
A standard glass of wine can contain as many calories as a piece of chocolate. Over time, drinking too much can easily contribute to weight gain. Plan your meals
Try to plan your breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks for the week, making sure you stick to your calorie allowance. You may find it helpful to make a weekly shopping list.

“A study in humans now shows that adult individuals who were conceived during cold seasons exhibit greater brown adipose tissue activity, increased energy expenditure, lower body mass index and lower visceral fat accumulation

“The new findings emphasise once more the critical role of the preconception environment in shaping offspring metabolism and offer perspectives for understanding the co-existence of two global health challenges – obesity and warming.”