Winter Weight Gain in Boston: What a DEXA Scan Reveals About Hidden Fat and Metabolic Health
In this article you’ll learn:
Why winter changes your metabolism in Boston’s climate.
How hidden visceral fat grows even when the scale doesn’t move much.
Why a DEXA scan shows you what BMI and regular scales can’t.
Concrete steps you can take right now to protect your metabolic health this season.
Why We Gain Weight in Winter in Boston, MA
Boston winters bring freezing temperatures, shorter days, and long stretches indoors. When daylight drops below 10 hours in December and icy sidewalks limit outdoor activity, most people naturally move less. Whether commuting, working from home, or relaxing in the evenings, winter in Boston often means more sitting and less physical activity.
What many people don’t realize is that prolonged sitting changes how the body functions. When daily movement drops:
Muscle activity slows
Metabolism decreases
Circulation becomes less efficient
Insulin sensitivity declines
Fat-burning enzymes become less active
Even modest reductions in activity make the body less efficient at burning sugar and fat. Combine this with holiday meals, comfort foods, and reduced sunlight—and you have the perfect formula for winter weight gain.
Did You Know?
Two people with the same BMI can have very different visceral fat levels — and only a DEXA scan can show the difference.
Most Adults Gain Weight in Winter—But the Real Increase Is Hidden Fat
Research shows that most people gain 1–2 pounds during the winter holidays, and Harvard Health Publishing reports that adults retain roughly half of this weight gain into the following year. Small yearly increases accumulate, gradually changing body composition.
But the biggest concern isn’t the small amount of visible fat around the waist.
It’s the visceral fat—the hidden, dangerous fat around your internal organs.
Visceral fat surrounds the liver, pancreas, intestines, and other vital structures. It is metabolically active, meaning it releases inflammatory chemicals and hormones that increase your risk for:
Insulin resistance
Type 2 diabetes
High cholesterol
Heart disease and stroke
Fatty liver
Cognitive decline
Chronic inflammation
This dangerous fat can grow even when your weight or BMI stays “normal.”
And that’s why relying on BMI alone can be misleading.
DEXA Body Composition Scan: The Only Way to See Hidden Visceral Fat
At DEXA Scan Boston, we use medical-grade DEXA imaging to measure:
Total body fat
Percent body fat
Visceral fat around organs
Lean muscle mass
Left–right muscle balance
Bone density markers
Regional fat distribution (arms, legs, trunk, android/gynoid regions)
Unlike bathroom scales or handheld devices, a DEXA scan shows exactly where fat is stored, including the fat you cannot see from the outside.
Patients are often shocked to learn that two people with the same weight and BMI can have:
Completely different visceral fat levels
Different muscle-to-fat ratios
Hidden metabolic risks not visible on the scale
A DEXA scan gives you clinical-level accuracy so you can finally understand your internal health—not just your weight.
How Bostonians Can Protect Their Metabolic Health This Winter
Winter should be a season of rest—not decline. But without the right information, small changes in daily activity or eating habits can silently increase visceral fat.
The good news: visceral fat is highly responsive to lifestyle change.
You can reduce it by:
Increasing daily walking and strength training
Improving sleep quality
Reducing added sugars and ultra-processed foods
Prioritizing lean protein and fiber
Tracking changes in body composition—not just weight
A DEXA scan helps you act early, set realistic goals, and monitor how your habits, exercise routines, and nutrition impact your body from the inside out.
Take Charge of Your Health This Winter With a DEXA Scan in Boston
At DEXA Scan Boston, located in Brookline near the Longwood Medical Area, we help patients across Greater Boston understand their metabolic health with clinical-grade precision.
If you want to know what’s truly happening inside your body—especially during the winter months—a DEXA scan gives you the clarity and data you need.
Ready to see your real health picture?
Schedule your DEXA scan today!
