(NC)-It's that time of year again-full of decorations, music and food. Lots of food. Office parties, family get-togethers and social events offer delectable delights and tasty treats that are difficult to resist.

Be careful though. Dr. Eric Poehlman, Canada Research Chair in Nutrition and Metabolism at Université de Montréal, warns that indulging excessively in our favourite holiday foods may harm our health.

"Obesity is partly determined by our genetics, but body weight also depends on how our genetics interact with our environment," says Poehlman. "Overeating that results in weight gain is not beneficial, even if it does occur only once a year."

We may think that gorging ourselves over the holidays won't hurt, but in the long run it does, says Poehlman. Obesity and obesity-related disorders continue to increase in Canada, placing an enormous burden on our health care system. Among other health problems, obesity contributes to type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Poehlman is attempting to understand the cause of obesity, with a focus on its prevention and treatment, and the effects that advancing age has on body weight. He says that aging men and women must be particularly vigilant with their weight. Postmenopausal women are especially susceptible to obesity-with an estimated 50 percent considered overweight or obese.

He recommends increasing resistance training in order to make up for the loss of muscle mass and increase in body fat that naturally occur with age. And don't take a break just because you're wrapped up in holiday festivities.

"Maintaining a regular exercise or physical activity schedule over the holiday season is key. This will significantly help offset the potential increase in the calories you consume."

Poehlman offers a final piece of advice for those of us who find avoiding temptation too difficult.

"There is no need to 'clean your plate,' despite what our mothers told us."

You'll find more information about research supported by the Canada Research Chairs Program at www.chairs.gc.ca.

- News Canada
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