Diet Myths
Low-carb? Gluten-free? What works and what is just hype? Our nutrition experts guide you through the confusing claims.
How to Combat Your Food Cravings
Ignoring food cravings is hard, but you can learn healthy ways to cope and keep them in check.
Losing Weight the Healthy Way
Find out how to lose weight and keep it off in a healthy way, without following any special diets.
Weight Management Topics
BMI Calculator
Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight. The higher the BMI, the greater the risk of some diseases.
Ask an Expert
Larry K. Fan, M.D.
California Pacific Medical Center
If I get liposuction to get rid of my belly fat, will I reduce the health risks associated with being "apple" shaped?
Liposuction is a great way to contour and reshape the body (including the belly) by removing unwanted fat. Unfortunately, liposuction is not a treatment for weight loss, nor does it appear to influence the risk... continue reading about If I get liposuction to get rid of my belly fat, will I reduce the health risks associated with being "apple" shaped?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I'm 54, eat well and exercise five times per week. Yet my BMI is 27, which translates as obese. Is a BMI of 27 really that indicative of my overall health?
First of all, congratulations on getting all of that wonderful exercise! Exercise is so good for your physical AND mental health. Don't go calling yourself obese just yet. Technically, a BMI of 27 classifies yo... continue reading about I'm 54, eat well and exercise five times per week. Yet my BMI is 27, which translates as obese. Is a BMI of 27 really that indicative of my overall health?
Mark Saleh, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
I'm a woman (45) who gets frequent migraines. I'm also about 40 pounds overweight. I read somewhere that being overweight might actually increase the number of migraines that I get. Is this true, and would losing weight help?
Research has shown a link between being overweight and migraines - headache frequency and severity are increased. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the link, including biological, behaviora... continue reading about I'm a woman (45) who gets frequent migraines. I'm also about 40 pounds overweight. I read somewhere that being overweight might actually increase the number of migraines that I get. Is this true, and would losing weight help?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I am 51 years old and weigh 256 lbs. I have several medical problems, including knee pain. I also sit all day in my job and my long commute. I want to lose weight - where do I start?
Losing weight and becoming more active are fantastic goals! If you are mostly sedentary and knee pain is an issue for you, then I would start exercising with simple walking. Research shows that just 30 minutes ... continue reading about I am 51 years old and weigh 256 lbs. I have several medical problems, including knee pain. I also sit all day in my job and my long commute. I want to lose weight - where do I start?
Patricia Hockett, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
Why do men put weight on at their stomachs? My husband tries to lose weight, but his belly is very slow to go down. He doesn't drink alcohol. Do you have any suggestions on how he can lose this belly fat?
Weight gain and especially belly fat has been the topic of much discussion for years. This is evidenced by the plethora of websites and articles addressing it and claiming to have the solution to combat it. Whi... continue reading about Why do men put weight on at their stomachs? My husband tries to lose weight, but his belly is very slow to go down. He doesn't drink alcohol. Do you have any suggestions on how he can lose this belly fat?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
Can you recommend a weight loss program for someone who is 100 lbs overweight and has been unsuccessful many times?
Each individual is different and must consult his/her own physician, particularly in this high-risk weight category. In general, for weight loss of 100 pounds or more, two of the more reliable, medically superv... continue reading about Can you recommend a weight loss program for someone who is 100 lbs overweight and has been unsuccessful many times?
Junaid H. Khan, M.D., FACC, FACS
Eden Medical Center
My goal next year is to improve my overall health. Can you tell me if I should focus more on lowering my weight (as I'm a few pounds heavier than I should be), or concentrate more on exercising?
That is an excellent question. A study in the AHA journal Circulation, by Dr. Duck-Chul Lee from South Carolina, addressed this question. The title says it all: "Physical Fitness Trumps Body Weight in Reducing ... continue reading about My goal next year is to improve my overall health. Can you tell me if I should focus more on lowering my weight (as I'm a few pounds heavier than I should be), or concentrate more on exercising?
Karen Handy, M.P.H.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
I had lap band surgery and I have lost 65 pounds, but I am getting discouraged because my weight seems to have stopped there. How many calories should I have a day? I am limited to about a cup of food three times a day.
First of all, congratulations on your weight loss so far! Unfortunately, weight loss plateaus are a frustrating and all-too-common occurrence, even with weight loss surgeries. If you hit a plateau in the first ... continue reading about I had lap band surgery and I have lost 65 pounds, but I am getting discouraged because my weight seems to have stopped there. How many calories should I have a day? I am limited to about a cup of food three times a day.
Karen Handy, M.P.H.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
I exercise hard in the early evening and eat dinner after that. Each night at around 9:30, I'm ravenous. What is a good snack that will actually satiate the hunger without calorically unraveling the hard work of my work out?
Snacks with high fiber and water content, that also include some protein and just a bit of heart-healthy fat, will help you feel the most full and satisfied. That same fiber and water content will also keep you... continue reading about I exercise hard in the early evening and eat dinner after that. Each night at around 9:30, I'm ravenous. What is a good snack that will actually satiate the hunger without calorically unraveling the hard work of my work out?
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