sleep

A lack of sleep could cause more than exhaustion: It might also affect the number on the scale. Several studies have linked sleep deprivation to weight gain. One study found women who slept fewer than six hours per night were at much higher risk for gaining significant amounts of weight than...

Many people want to whittle their midsections to look better and fit into that next-size-down pair of pants. But reducing belly fat brings many more benefits than just aesthetics — you could be significantly reducing your health risks. Although getting to, and maintaining, a healthy weight is...

When it comes to losing weight or pushing past a plateau, the main rule is still the same: Working at a calorie deficit is the most robust and proven strategy. But for many who are staying on track and still not seeing the results they want, hormones could be a factor. “The bottom line is that...

When you’re trying to lose weight, the standard advice of “eat fewer calories than you burn” still largely applies, but not all calories are created equal when it comes to the effect on your body. For example, 300 calories of broccoli will have a different effect on your blood sugar and...

It’s common to hear the phrase “don’t eat after 8 p.m.” when you’re trying to lose weight. But when you think about it in terms of calories, the math doesn’t work out. As long as you stick to your goal and eat fewer calories than you burn, you should lose weight. Here’s what you should know...

Ask an expert or anyone, and they will agree there’s no secret fast track to long-term weight loss. It requires consistency, dedication and having faith in the idea each good decision and habit you create is an investment in a healthy lifestyle and a healthy weight over the long haul. All of...

If you’re trying to lose weight, you’ve probably come across foods and supplements that claim to “boost your metabolism.” But what does this actually mean, and is it even possible? Simply put, “metabolism” refers to the process of converting food or drink into energy for your body to use...

Congratulations: You worked hard to hit your goal weight and you made it. However, maintaining weight loss might be harder than you think. Research presented at The Endocrine Society’s annual conference found just 14% of those who lost moderate amounts of weight (defined as 10–15% of their...

Anyone who’s trying to drop some pounds knows it requires healthy eating, being active and … a lot of patience, dedication, commitment and perseverance. Sometimes it’s difficult to get things started — but, more often, initial weight loss occurs, only to be followed by a frustrating plateau. No...

Between checking email, texting, scrolling through social media feeds and watching viral videos, adults spend more than 11 hours per day on their phones, according to the research firm Nielsen. Screen time not only has negative impacts on mental health, increases the odds of suffering from...

Going to bed hungry can often result in poor sleep and an overwhelming urge to raid the fridge at midnight. Sometimes we do this by mistake, and other times it’s because of meaningless rules like “no eating after x o’clock” set forth by diet culture. First and foremost, I’m here to tell you that...

Discipline, willpower, motivation — these are all great to have when you’re focusing on building healthy habits, but they don’t come out of nowhere. Although you might feel an initial rush of willpower when you start on a path of better nutrition and exercise, it’s vital to build your reserves...

You know regular exercise, quality sleep, drinking plenty of water and eating a well-balanced diet can boost metabolism, helping burn more calories and move the needle on the scale. But research also shows light exposure, especially in the evenings, could hamper your metabolism. THE STUDY...

It’s no secret losing weight in a healthy way takes time: Experts agree it’s safe to shed 1–2 pounds per week. However, if the scale just won’t budge, don’t be discouraged — there are strategies you can use to overcome a weight-loss plateau. “Listening to your body, challenging yourself with...

Ask an expert or anyone, and they will agree there’s no secret fast track to long-term weight loss. It requires consistency, dedication and having faith in the idea each good decision and habit you create is an investment in a healthy lifestyle and a healthy weight over the long haul. All of...

If you’re trying to lose weight, it seems to make sense to cut as many calories from your diet as possible. Unfortunately, it’s possible to eat too little, which not only makes it harder for you to achieve a healthy weight, but it can also cause other health problems. In other words, eating...

In the world of nutrition, most experts agree: There’s no such thing as “good” or “bad” foods. Moderation and consistency over perfection is key to establishing a healthy relationship with food and reaching your goals. But it is possible to have some bad habits surrounding the way you eat —...

Losing weight and keeping it off long-term isn’t about a quick crash diet or detox — it requires creating lasting habits to lead a healthier lifestyle. This can be particularly challenging during high-stress times when your normal routines get altered. However, by incorporating the 10 tips below...

So many weight-loss strategies require focus and attention, like eating right and moving often. But what if a few of them could be set on automatic, including when you sleep? Although you can’t burn all your excess fat this way, there are a couple of hacks that can help with the effort. In...

The first step to successful weight loss is believing in yourself and understanding how small changes over time yield big results. Improving your habits slowly and steadily increases the likelihood they’re sustainable and prevents yo-yo dieting. Rather than drastically overhauling your...