Surprising News About Weight Loss and Diabetes

Interesting news this week for those interested in losing or maintaining their weight. A surprising study out of Scotland about the benefits of sunlight on our health. 

•       Sunlight and Childhood Obesity and Diabetes – Scottish researchers reported that sunlight can be important in preventing diabetes and helping to avoid childhood obesity.  We all know spending time outside is healthy for exercise, fresh air and to get our vitamin D.

a.       Sunlight and weight:  But now they have a new finding about sun.  “A natural gas, nitric oxide, is released by our skin after exposure to sunlight.”  (Sunlight key to fighting childhood obesity and diabetes).  This helps us control our metabolism and slow weight gain. 

b.       Sunlight and diabetes – because one gains less weight, one is less likely to get diabetes.  Exposure to sunlight also seems to reduce the risk factors for Type 2 Diabetes.  Sunlight exposure resulted in less resistance to insulin and more normal glucose levels.  This effect seems unrelated to the benefits we get from sunshine and vitamin D. 

c.       Professor David Ray stated, “These findings support the idea that a healthy lifestyle should include time outside in the sunshine, not only for exercise but also to benefits from sunlight on skin.”  (Sunlight key to fighting childhood obesity and diabetes)

So take some time today to be outside for exercise, vitamin D, to help prevent Type 2 diabetes and to help maintain your weight.

Sources:  Sunlight key to fighting childhood obesity and diabetes,   Image Source:  Sun