What if your next weight-loss boost isn't hiding in the gym or the kitchen, but in the weather forecast?

It turns out Mother Nature can quietly influence how much we eat, how much we move and even how our bodies burn energy.

Note: Weather won't magically melt fat, but temperature can nudge our behavior and biology in some surprising ways.

When it's warm

Hot weather naturally puts the brakes on your appetite.

Your body is already working to cool itself, and digesting a big meal creates additional internal heat. So when temperatures climb, it's not a coincidence that you often find yourself reaching for lighter, water-rich foods like fruit, vegetables and grilled proteins instead of heavy comfort food.

(MORE: Use weather hacks to pick the best watermelon)

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There's also a behavioral boost.

Researchers from UMass Amherst and American University found that when temperatures climb above 77 degrees, people are statistically more likely to exercise and maintain healthier eating habits. The same study saw those same habits start to wane once temperatures fell below 68 degrees.

(MORE: Your guide to outdoor exercise in any weather)

Just don't let the scale fool you after a sweaty summer workout. If you've dropped several pounds after spending the day in the heat, most of that immediate change is water, not body fat.

When it's cold

Cold weather has one fascinating trick: thermogenesis.

When you're chilly, your body burns energy to keep your core temperature stable. Shivering burns calories, and specialized tissue called brown fat can actually burn energy to produce heat.

(MORE: How the weather affects your metabolism)

Sounds like a weight-loss hack, right?

Not quite. The extra calorie burn from ordinary cold exposure is relatively small. 

And there's a catch: Cold can make you hungrier.

Your body wants more fuel to stay warm, while shorter, darker days can increase cravings for sugary, carb-heavy comfort foods.

(MORE: Recipes for when it’s time to break out the slow-cooker)

Then comes the dreaded winter slump. Cold, rain and snow can make that outdoor workout feel a lot less appealing, and less daylight can contribute to sluggishness and reduced motivation.

Use science to your advantage

Your environment isn't destiny.

When summer sunshine makes movement easier, take advantage of it. When winter arrives, bring that movement indoors and keep your meals balanced.

The weather may indirectly help push the scale in one direction, but your choices still steer the ship.