With the rising temperatures during summer, air conditioning has become a necessity for most households and offices. Besides providing cool air, air conditioning also affects our metabolism in various ways.

1. Changes in Body Temperature

The body responds to the temperature of the environment. When the temperature is high, the body tries to cool down by sweating. With air conditioning, the environment becomes cooler, and the body does not have to work as hard to cool itself.

This can lead to a decrease in the body’s core temperature. As a result, it can affect our metabolism and the rate at which our body burns calories.

2. Affecting Appetite

The body’s metabolism is closely related to appetite. Studies have shown that when the body is exposed to cold temperatures, it triggers a response to increase food intake. The body does this to generate energy to maintain body temperature.

With air conditioning, the body experiences a similar effect, causing an increase in appetite.

3. Reduced Physical Activity

When the environment is cool, people tend to become less active. This can be seen in offices where employees tend to move less and remain seated for more extended periods.

Reduced physical activity can decrease metabolism and lead to weight gain and various health problems.

4. Dehydration

Excessive use of air conditioning can lead to dehydration. Air conditioning removes moisture from the air to provide cool air, causing the body to lose water.

When the body is dehydrated, it affects the metabolism and can lead to a slow-down in the body’s fat-burning processes.

5. Sleep Disorders

Air conditioning can affect sleep patterns, leading to various sleep disorders. It causes a decrease in the body’s core temperature, which can disrupt the circadian rhythm, affecting the body’s natural sleep cycle.

When sleep patterns are disrupted, it can lead to a decrease in metabolism and increased weight gain.

6. Mental Health

Studies have indicated that air conditioning can affect mental health. The constant change in temperature between indoors and outdoors can cause mood swings and affect cognitive processes.

When mental health is affected, it can lead to a decrease in motivation and physical activity, leading to metabolic disorders.

7. Increase in Carbon Footprint

While air conditioning provides a means of keeping cool, it can also increase carbon emissions from the energy used to power it.

Excessive use of air conditioning can lead to an increase in carbon footprint, leading to various health problems associated with climate change.

8. Eye Irritation

When air conditioning is used for prolonged periods, it can cause eye irritation. This occurs when the air becomes too dry from excessive use of air conditioning.

Eye irritation can lead to decreased vision and affect daily activities, including exercise, leading to weight gain and metabolic disorders.

9. Respiratory Problems

Air conditioning can affect the respiratory system, leading to various respiratory problems. The cold air produced can trigger lung contractions, leading to breathing difficulties.

This can lead to decreased activity levels, leading to metabolic disorders.

10. Skin Dryness

Air conditioning can cause the skin to become dry. Excessive use of air conditioning can lead to skin dryness, which can affect overall health.

When the skin is dry, it can lead to decreased motivation to exercise, leading to weight gain and metabolic disorders.

Conclusion

Air conditioning is now a necessity in most households and offices. While it provides a means of keeping cool, air conditioning also affects our metabolism in various ways.

Excessive use of air conditioning can lead to dehydration, sleep disorders, and respiratory problems. It can also lead to skin dryness and affect mental health. To avoid these problems, it is advisable to use air conditioning in moderation and allow natural ventilation when possible.