Slimming yourself: sunshine aids weight loss, study finds

Spending time in the sunshine can have a slimming effect, scientists claim

Anecdotal evidence suggests it is so; as does one’s own trusty eyes, but now scientists at a British university have claimed that moderate exposure to UV rays can help keep humans slim.

Life in sun-drenched Spain is healthy enough. The warmth beckons you outside, keeping you active and rarely bestowing upon you those days where all you want to do is snuggle up on the sofa with a bar of chocolate and something weepy on the TV… Plenty of fluids, lighter meals, longer evening, more energy expended, more energised in general – living in Spain really is good for you. The year-round tan that comes with it plays its part in helping you feel and look good, and before you know it you’re locked in a virtuous circle of body confidence, falling weight and better skin.

Now, while that may sound cod-scientific, it is really little more than an observation. But researchers at the universities of Southampton and Edinburgh have revealed that a recent study on mice suggests that exposure to the sun’s UV rays releases a chemical that slows down the development of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

After the skin has been exposed to sunlight it releases nitric oxide, which plays a key role in the human metabolism. The discovery was made during a study with scientists at the Telethon Kids Institute in Perth, Australia, that found overfed mice in laboratories were able to slow their weight gain when exposed to UV light.

The tests were intended to show that governments may need to alter their message on sun exposure, citing that too much aversion to the sun – based on the fear of contracting skin cancer – can be counterproductive. Not only is the sun an excellent source of Vitamin D and a great motivator to exercise, it also produces an effect that helps speed up the body’s metabolism.

“We need to remember that skin cancer is not the only disease that can kill us and should perhaps balance our advice on sun exposure,” said University of Edinburgh Senior Lecturer in Dermatology, Dr. Richard Weller.

In tests, mice exposed to UV rays showed fewer warning signs normally associated with type 2 diabetes, with the added release of nitric oxide in their skin effective in aiding digestion and the process of sugar – warding off harmful metabolic conditions.

The scientists stressed that more studies are needed in order to determine a clear link in humans, but previous studies have also yielded similar results.

“These observations further indicate that the amounts of nitric acid released from the skin may have beneficial effects not only on heart and blood vessels, but also on the way our body regulates metabolism,” added Professor Martin Feelisch of the University of Southampton.

Professor David Ray of Manchester University welcomed the findings, adding: “This is an important study that show that lifestyle factors beyond diet can help prevent weight gain and diabetes.

“These finding support the idea that a healthy lifestyle should include time outside in the sunshine, not only for exercise but also to benefit from sunlight to skin.”

The results of the study do not suggest that we should all rush to the nearest sunny beach, forego suncream and eat whatever we want. They do, however, hint that a healthy lifestyle is best augmented with regular blasts of UV rays – something you get for free, 320 days of the year, in southern Spain. Just sayin’…