How your central heating system could be making you fat

Dutch researchers said that higher temperatures in the home prevent our bodies from burning extra calories.

16:58 23 January 2014

A Maastricht University Medical Centre group has released a study suggesting that central heating systems can contribute to growing waistlines.

Without the ease and comfort of central heating, they say, our bodies will need to burn extra calories to keep warm. They suggest setting the temperature to 19C as it is sufficient to provide the right balance.

Dr Wouter van Marken Lichtenbelt said: "19C is enough - and not for the whole day.

"It could be a substantial influence and help in combination with food changes and exercise."

However, some argued that lowering the temperature may result to people eating more.

Dr Michael Daly, who investigated the issue at the University of Stirling, argued: "If you didn't compensate you would lose weight, but that's not really how it happens. You will want a chocolate bar."

"Also, studies suggest that in cold indoor temperatures you are more likely to get a stroke, and there is a [overall] winter mortality effect."