As spring approaches and you notice a few extra pounds, remember: it’s a product of evolution, not just the tempting family-sized tin of chocolate.
Humans are biologically designed to accumulate fat during colder months. In chilly weather, our bodies tend to burn more calories while being less active.
This is an evolutionary adaptation from pre-industrial eras, when food was scarce, leading our bodies to store fat as energy for the winter season.
However, in today’s world, this scarcity is often a myth. Modern conveniences like refrigeration, long-distance shipping, and enticing 3-for-2 deals on snacks mean that winter has transformed into a time of indulgent excess rather than depletion.
This evolutionary response makes it challenging to stick to winter weight loss resolutions. Our bodies react to a dip in calorie intake by ramping up our appetite or subtly reducing energy expenditure.
If you find yourself carrying extra weight after the winter season, there might be an unexpected solution: perhaps gaining a bit of weight could help you lose weight.
Add Weight to Lose Weight
In a 2025 study, researchers explored the effectiveness of weighted vests for weight loss. A weighted vest features pockets for weights and can weigh anywhere from 3 to 30 kg (or even more if you want to channel your inner robot).
A small study published in the International Journal of Obesity followed overweight participants for two years. They were divided into two groups: one underwent calorie restriction, while the other wore weighted vests for 10 hours daily.
Both groups saw weight loss in the first six months, but two years later, both regained weight—a common yo-yo effect. What’s intriguing is that the calorie-restricted group regained all their lost weight, while those with the weighted vests only regained half.
Why is this the case? Researchers discovered that the resting metabolic rate (RMR)—the calories burned during basic functions—was higher in those wearing the vests.
“Lower RMR after weight loss often leads to weight regain, so maintaining RMR helped participants stay at a lower body weight,” explains Professor Kristen Beavers, a health and exercise scientist at Wake Forest University and co-author of the study. “Those with a higher RMR retained more of the weight they lost.”
This research further emphasizes how resistance training—like weightlifting and bodyweight workouts—can effectively support long-term weight loss. Weighted vests fit perfectly into this regimen, as they increase energy expenditure during movement.
“Adding weight makes your muscles, bones, and cardiovascular system work harder for activities like walking or climbing stairs,” Beavers states. “This increased effort raises the calorie cost of exercise, allowing for more calories burned without changing the type or duration of activity.
Moreover, the added weight acts as resistance training, contributing to muscle mass and strength over time. Since muscle tissue burns more calories at rest compared to fat, maintaining or increasing muscle mass boosts resting metabolic rate and aids in weight loss.
How to Use a Weighted Vest
If you’re considering incorporating weighted vests into your routine, Beavers offers some advice. Start with gradually added weight as most people find these vests comfortable after a brief adjustment period. Pay attention to your posture to avoid discomfort or injury.
Ensure the vest’s weight is significant; literature suggests that wearing a load of about 8% to 10% of your body weight can effectively impact energy balance and body weight regulation.
The impact also varies based on the duration of wear—whether you’re just lounging or exercising.
As research continues to substantiate the weight-loss benefits of weighted vests, studies also explore their positive effects on bone and cardiovascular health. In other words, this wearable could significantly enhance your overall health.
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Source: www.sciencefocus.com
