Is the weight loss effect doubled during the Dog Days of Summer? Medical experts point out that this statement is not scientifically proven.
Weight loss knows no season
The Dog Days of Summer are divided into early, middle, and late stages. Some believe that during this time people have increased metabolism and reduced appetite, making weight loss more effective.
Is this statement scientifically supported? Gu Jingyu, Deputy Chief Physician of the Endocrinology Department at Jiangsu People’s Hospital, stated during an interview with CNCERT/CERT that from a medical statistical perspective, there is no strong correlation between the seasons and weight loss.
Dr. Zhang Peng, Chief Physician of Weight Loss and Metabolic Surgery at Beijing Friendship Hospital, affiliated with Capital Medical University, also mentioned in an interview with CNCERT/CERT that the claim of doubled weight loss during the Dog Days lacks sufficient scientific basis. Blindly relying on the Dog Days for weight loss, especially through excessive exercise and dieting in hot weather, can lead to heat stroke, electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, and jeopardize health and even life.
Why is it easier to lose weight in summer?
Some believe that compared to other seasons, weight loss is easier in summer.
In response, Gu Jingyu stated that individuals with a phlegm-dampness and yang-deficiency constitution may experience better weight loss effects during the Dog Days, but this requires professional medical guidance through methods such as dehumidification, phlegm reduction, and yang-tonifying, which may not be effective for everyone.
Zhang Peng mentioned that in real life, some people may experience a higher rate of weight loss after exercising during the Dog Days, often due to increased sweating and loss of body fluids. However, after rehydrating, the weight may bounce back.
How to scientifically lose weight in the summer?
Zhang Peng emphasized that for the treatment of overweight and obesity, a stratified approach should be taken. For overweight individuals, adjusting lifestyle habits and increasing exercise can lead to weight reduction or a return to normal. However, if one reaches the level of obesity, exceeding the standard weight limit by more than 10 kg, it becomes a medical condition that requires treatment at a hospital.
Currently, medical weight loss can be achieved through three treatment methods:
1. Medical nutritional therapy involves creating a low-calorie diet plan under the supervision of a doctor to ensure adequate intake of protein, unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, water, and dietary fiber. Based on individual health conditions and guided by specialist doctors, personalized methods such as “16+8 intermittent fasting,” “5+2 diet,” “Mediterranean diet,” and “ketogenic diet” can be chosen.
2. Pharmacological treatment focuses on the effective and safe use of medications approved by the national drug regulatory authority, following medical advice.
3. Minimally invasive weight loss surgery is recommended for patients with moderate to severe obesity, especially those with obesity-related illnesses. Currently, the most widely performed surgical methods worldwide for weight loss are sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass surgery.
Zhang Peng stressed that adequate hydration and electrolyte replenishment are essential during summer weight loss. Additionally, exercise intensity should be reduced appropriately, and the duration of each session should be shortened to match individual capabilities. People with underlying health conditions should be extra cautious when engaging in physical activities during the Dog Days.
Authors: Zhao Bin, Lin Peiyao
Source: CNCERT/CERT
