Post-Baby Weight Gain Raises Diabetes Risk in Next Pregnancy

Women who gain weight after giving birth for the first time dramatically increase their risk of developing pregnancy-related diabetes during their second pregnancy, a new study suggests.

Compared to women of similar height who maintain their weight, a 5-foot-4 woman who gains roughly 12 to 17 pounds after giving birth more than doubles her odds…

Waist Size Predicts Heart-Disease Death Better Than Weight

Doctors have long known that obesity increases a person’s risk of heart disease, but in recent years the picture has grown more complicated.

Several studies have found that a high body mass index is associated with a lower risk of dying from heart disease and other chronic illnesses—a mysterious phenomenon that has come to be known as the “obesity paradox.”…

The 5 Factor Diet

You may have seen Harley Pasternak, personal trainer, and author of the 5 Factor Diet, on TV. You may have even heard testimonials from Hollywood celebrities about this diet plan and wondered if his 5 Factor Diet could help you lose weight. (The 5 Factor Diet Web site is published by the parent company of Everyday Health,…

Most Obese Moms, Kids Underestimate Their Weight

Roughly two-thirds of adults and one-third of children in the U.S. are now overweight or obese. Aside from contributing to rising rates of diabetes and other chronic illnesses, this widespread weight problem also appears to be changing our perception of what’s considered heavy.

As overweight and obesity have become more common, those who are…

Fish Oil Helps Prevent Weight- and Muscle-Loss in Cancer Patients

Weight loss and loss of muscle mass are common problems in cancer patients, especially patients going through chemotherapy, which can cause nausea and appetite loss.

But a new study, published in Cancer — the journal of the American Cancer Society, finds that fish oil supplements may stop the loss of muscle and weight in cancer patients.

“Fish oil may prevent…

Girls With Migraines More Likely to Gain Weight

Migraines and obesity have a codependent link in girls, scientists say.

Women who have migraines earlier in life are more likely to gain excess weight later on, Reuters reports. A new study shows four out of every 10 women with childhood migraines had gained at least 22 pounds since turning 18.

The connection could be caused by the…

Children May Pack on Pounds After Tonsillectomy

Weight gain is common after children have their tonsils removed, an analysis of four decades of research concludes.

Researchers from Saint Louis University found that 50 percent of the children in the studies gained more weight than expected as part of normal development, according to study lead author Dr. Anita Jeyakumar. While not “hugely surprising,” the findings are important to…

Weight Management Guide for Children

An increasing number of kids are overweight, and if no intervention is made, 80% of them will stay overweight as adults. This can put them at risk for many medical problems, including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and sleep apnea. Obesity can also adversely affect their self esteem.

While most children should not be put…

Excess Weight Shortens Lifespan

Being overweight or obese may take years off your life, even if you don’t have heart disease or cancer, according to a new study of nearly 1.5 million people.

It might seem obvious that carrying too much weight can pose health risks and contribute to an earlier death. In recent years, however, some studies have suggested that being overweight…

Psych Drugs Can Pile on Pounds

Katie’s temper tantrums and emotional outbursts became uncontrollable when she was 5 years old. After diagnosing her with Asperger’s syndrome and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), doctors placed her on risperidone, an antipsychotic drug used to treat irritability and aggression in autistic children.

The medication “took the edge off,” according to her mother, Janet, but it also made…

Study Finds Mid-Life Women Lose Weight

Mid-life for many women is a constant struggle to salvage what is left of a waistline that seems to be gradually morphing into a shapeless belly. Diet and exercise are the standard advice. But what really works? One recent study indicates that exercising alone will not do the trick but keeping a sharp eye on food labels is…