Jet lag makes you put on weight?

Weightwatcher72

There was a newspaper article on this recently, and it got me thinking - I work nights so technically (including my days off) I'm working in two different time zones

Now what I do regrading eating is swap my breakfast and lunch across, for instance when I pop home for lunch at 2am I have what would be my lunch for breakfast, and when I finish my shift and have had a sleep, I have my breakfast at about lunchtime (when I wake up). It works for me that way and I don't feel hungry and I'm also well within my calorie target / PPs for the day -I'm also still losing weight! I'm up to nearly 2 stone lost now, still about 5 to go so a long journey ahead yet

So is this article complete and utter claptrap, or have they cottoned onto something?

Here's the article in question: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2796606/piling-pounds-blame-jet-lag-disruption-body-clock-change-time-zones-impact-workings-digestive-system.html

Onesnap

I've never gained weight with major jet lag (just recently came back from vacation to Germany). I also used to travel a lot for work. The key is to stay hydrated and eat as healthfully as possible (and stay active). With your work situation you need to keep as much a routine as possible and listen to your body.

goanothermile

I used to travel long distance frequently. I put on weight when I was doing it.

Jet lag may be an issue, but it is just one of the many ingredients in the dastardly cocktail for long distance travelers.

Off the top of my head, I can think of many other factors:

• Stress of travel.
• Eating in airports and airplanes - often not the healthiest or freshest choices.
• Dehydration from being on the plane causing digestive & GI issues.
• Constant exposure to other passenger's colds, flu, etc.
• Reduced exercise from being in an aluminum tube for hours on end.
• Poor sleep quality (hotel bed, unfamiliar environment) impacting your energy level and motivation to exercise.
• Eating at restaurants for days on end during the trip.
• Rich meals entertaining (or being entertained) with clients, customers, suppliers, or coworkers.
• Perhaps higher alcohol consumption than at home.
• Depression or loneliness from being away from family.

vismal

In the long run weight gain or loss is all about calories in vs calories out. Jet lag won't significantly change the amount of calories you burn. Unless for some reason jet lag causes you to eat more, it shouldn't affect long term weight gain/loss. Short term, it's a different story, but short term gains and losses are meaningless.