Will You Get Fat? Genetic Test May Tell

THURSDAY, April 18, 2019 -- As obesity becomes epidemic among Americans, many could over- or underestimate their odds for piling on the pounds. But a new genetic "score" might take the guesswork out of all of that, researchers say.

Using information on more than 2 million gene variants linked to body weight, the scientists created a so-called polygenic score that may help quantify a person's obesity risk.

So You've Had Weight-Loss Surgery. Now What?

THURSDAY, April 4, 2019 -- Eating habits and physical activity have a greater impact on weight-loss surgery's long-term success than measures like counting calories, a new study finds.

Researchers also found that evaluation of patients' mental health and eating habits before weight-loss (bariatric) surgery did not help predict who would be successful in keeping weight off years afterwards.

AHA News: Is the New 'Fasting' Diet Trend Healthy?

FRIDAY, March 22, 2019 (American Heart Association News) -- Tipping the scales at 233 pounds, Charles Joy realized he needed to make some changes.

The 28-year-old Louisville, Kentucky, native already had tried many diet plans to varying degrees of success. In 2013, he lost more than 100 pounds through exercise and diet. But afterward, his weight slowly began to creep back up.

Slow Down! Eating Too Fast Can Pile on the Pounds

MONDAY, March 11, 2019 -- Has your hectic lifestyle turned you into someone who gulps down meals?

People who eat quickly tend to eat more and have a higher body mass index (a measure of body fat based on height and weight) than those who eat slowly. People who eat slowly feel full sooner and eat less in the process.

'Apple-Shaped' Body? 'Pear-Shaped'? Your Genes May Tell

MONDAY, Feb. 18, 2019 -- A large, new study has uncovered 24 genetic variations that help separate the apple-shaped people from the pear-shaped ones.

Researchers said the findings help explain why some people are prone to carrying any excess weight around the belly. But more importantly, they could eventually shed light on the biology of diseases linked to obesity -- particularly abdominal obesity.

Easy Ways to Rev Up Your Metabolism and Burn Calories

MONDAY, March 4, 2019 -- Your metabolism rate determines how fast you burn calories, and that can influence how fast you lose weight -- and how easily you can gain it.

After age 25, metabolism naturally slows by 5 percent every decade. So if you eat as much in your 40s as you did in your 20s, you're going to add extra pounds -- especially if you exercise less and lose muscle. In addition to weight training to maintain muscle, these tips from the American Council on Exercise can help.