Well, yes. As an engine becomes worn, oil consumption becomes a progressively worse problem and that one suggestion is to switch to heavier oil.

It's not really a solution, more like putting a band-aid on a cancer.

I'd think heavier oil would be bad for the engine in freezing temperatures. However, once you're using 50 weight oil, the engine probably worn enough that the additional wear won't matter much. It will put more strain on the starter, battery, etc.

I'd first use whatever weight the car's owner's manual recommends. If there's too much consumprion, then I'd try experimenting.

-Punxsutawney Phil