Want to shed a few pounds? Turning down the thermostat may do the trick.

New research in the journal Obesity Reviews suggests people may pack on the pounds in the winter months because of high heat.

Previous studies have shown increased time spent in warm conditions may lead to a loss of brown fat, which has the capacity to burn energy to create heat.

"The findings suggest that lower winter temperatures in buildings might contribute to tackling obesity as well reducing carbon emissions," said co-author, Marcella Ucci from University College London (UCL).

Early evidence also showed moderate exposure to seasonal cold could help regulate energy balance and body weight on a population level.

Researchers analyzed the role of the brown fat, the influence of moderate exposure to cold, and the time people spent indoors.

They concluded that decreasing the need for energy expenditure to stay warm and reducing the body’s capacity to produce heat attributed to weight gain. 

"Increased time spent indoors, widespread access to central heating and air conditioning, and increased expectations of thermal comfort all contribute to restricting the range of temperatures we experience in daily life and reduce the time our bodies spend under mild thermal stress - meaning we're burning less energy. This could have an impact on energy balance and ultimately have an impact on body weight and obesity,” said Lead author Dr Fiona Johnson, UCL Epidemiology & Public Health,

"Research into the environmental drivers behind obesity, rather then the genetic ones, has tended to focus on diet and exercise – which are undoubtedly the major contributors. However, it is possible that other environmental factors, such as winter indoor temperatures, may also have a contributing role. This research therefore raises the possibility for new public health strategies to address the obesity epidemic."

Stephen Lau and editing by Aimee Keenan-Greene