India, April 4 -- With summer here, air conditioners are being serviced for optimal cooling, as it is normal for many people to keep the AC on for long hours through the day to beat the excruciating heat. While it helps you stay cool and comfortable, how healthy is it to remain in an air-conditioned environment for the entire day? We asked Dr Melissa Sathyan, consultant - internal medicine at Rela Hospital in Chennai, who raised several concerns regarding this. The first source of concern is reduced natural thermoregulation. Dr Sathyan explained, "When we are in a constantly cool environment, it burns fewer calories to maintain temperature. Combined with long sitting time, this can slow down metabolism and result in fat accumulation." So this puts you at a higher risk of gaining weight. The second problem is fatigue. "Poor air quality, low humidity and recirculated air can reduce oxygen freshness and lead to tiredness, headaches and reduced cognitive performance," she described. Further, it leads to symptoms like fatigue, headaches, dryness and reduced mental focus. These symptoms are called dehydration as AC's dry air pulls moisture from the body. Dr Sathyan also notes that prolonged exposure can lead to respiratory irritation, sinus issues, and frequent infections, especially in closed workplaces where air is recycled. The doctor shared these tell-tale signs: Here are some doctor-approved tips to stay safe: Lastly, the doctor insisted that AC in itself is not harmful, but continuous exposure can lead to a sedentary lifestyle. So, make sure you stay active, exercise on time, and avoid lounging around the entire day in AC....