Complete coverage on

Diet and Fitness

Overweight and obese adults who followed the Weight Watchers program lost more than twice as much weight as those who received weight-loss advice from a doctor or nurse, according to a new yearlong study funded by the company.

Latest Stories

Anna Paquin is one 'tough cookie'updated Mon May 30 2011 07:31:01

You could envy Anna Paquin a lot of things. Starting with her rocking body, which is on full display one hot morning when the 28-year-old Academy Award--winning actress shows up for our chat at a café in Venice, California, absolutely killing it in cutoff jeans shorts and a paper-thin white T-shirt.

Miranda Lambert is having a momentupdated Fri Apr 29 2011 07:54:40

Miranda Lambert may have forgotten to thank her fiancé, fellow country music star Blake Shelton, when she won her first Grammy this February.

Taste: It's in your nose and memoriesupdated Fri Mar 04 2011 12:16:20

It looks like a small "everything bagel" and lox. But bite into it and, to your amusement, it's ice cream.

Is your diet good for your skin?updated Tue Jan 04 2011 08:09:44

Sure, your diet keeps your body slim and healthy, but its impact doesn't stop there.

New Year's resolution No. 1: Lose weightupdated Fri Dec 31 2010 08:07:49

Pam Wurst struggled for years to lose weight. One of the triggering points for her to finally shed pounds was when a 5-year-old child patted her stomach and asked: "When is the baby coming?"

The 51 fastest fat burnersupdated Tue Dec 28 2010 08:33:17

Erase extra flab with these super-effective tricks.

Advocates: Food safety bill doesn't have teethupdated Tue Nov 30 2010 17:38:55

Turkey breasts, eggs, cilantro, and deli meat are just some of the foods that you may have avoided this year because of recalls associated with foodborne illness.

Why eating a lot feels so darn goodupdated Wed Nov 24 2010 14:51:07

On Thanksgiving, many of us will eat way more than normal and then waddle away contented, with a turkey and sweet potato buzz.

Where's the line between research and marketing?updated Wed Oct 13 2010 13:39:24

A weight loss study by Jenny Craig. A survey of sexual health and condom use by Church & Dwight, the company that makes Trojan condoms.

Increase your flexibility and improve your lifeupdated Sat Aug 21 2010 09:04:04

You've managed to make it to spinning class (for the second time this week!), but as soon as the instructor starts the cooldown, you head for the door. Hold it right there. Turns out, stretching is just as important as getting on the bike in the first place.

Love red meat? Cutting back just a bit helps heartupdated Mon Aug 16 2010 17:52:17

Eating too much red meat has long been a no-no for people with high cholesterol and other risk factors for heart disease. But it hasn't always been clear how much is too much.

4 surprising reasons women can't lose weightupdated Wed Aug 11 2010 08:14:43

Most of us already know that eating less and moving more are the keys to dropping extra pounds. But if you're already doing everything "right" and can't seem to lose weight -- or are even gaining it -- you may have a hidden health condition that's sabotaging your efforts. And the symptoms may be so subtle that even your doctor can miss them. Here, some possible weight-loss blockers -- and how to get the help you need.

Health-Care basics: spend or save?updated Mon Aug 02 2010 08:14:25

When to spend and when to save on eight essentials that affect your health every day.

For weight-loss help, faithfuls turn to Godupdated Wed Jul 21 2010 11:09:21

Hallelujah diets. Body by God. Karate for Christ. Gospel groove workouts.

10 nutrition powerhouses for kidsupdated Sat Jul 10 2010 08:28:29

Get your kids addicted to these colorful, tasty, nutrient-packed superfoods, like blueberries, cocoa, cinnamon and more.

How to make grilling saferupdated Fri Jul 02 2010 14:24:54

When the dog days hit Boston, Massachusetts, Stephanie Meyers starts cooking alfresco to keep things cool indoors.

Sugar, not just salt, linked to high blood pressureupdated Thu Jul 01 2010 18:46:22

Eating too much sodium can push your blood pressure into the danger zone. Now, researchers are reporting that eating too many sweets--or drinking too much soda--may have a similar effect.

Biking minutes a day may ward off weight gainupdated Mon Jun 28 2010 16:05:29

Biking for as little as five minutes a day can help women minimize weight gain as they enter middle age, especially if they're overweight to begin with, a new study suggests.

Will 'Huge' TV show inspire real-life obese teens?updated Fri Jun 25 2010 09:13:02

Mia Procida, 14, will be starting her eighth summer at Camp Pocono Trails in Reeders, Pennsylvania, at about the same time a new television show, called "Huge" rolls out on the ABC Family network.

Road trip! Eat healthy -- anywhereupdated Wed Jun 23 2010 08:17:04

Whether you're heading to a spa for a girls-only weekend or chugging down the highway in a car full of Disney-crazed kids, a road trip is the ultimate rite of summer. But along with the classic rock blasting on the radio, road trips often involve the kinds of food you'd never think of eating at home--neon-orange cheese curls, mega-ounce slushies, unidentifiable dried meat in a plastic pack.

Study: Cartoon characters attract kids to junk foodupdated Mon Jun 21 2010 01:59:28

Shrek, Dora the Explorer, and other animated TV and movie stars beloved by children have been moonlighting as junk-food pitchmen in recent years. And they're good at it.

Can eating more be the key to never dieting again?updated Thu Jun 17 2010 11:51:17

As a child, were you encouraged to clean your plate and then go back for seconds? If so, you probably didn't grow up in France, where children are taught to savor the feeling of longing, or envie, for their next course (just think of the cheese!). Our differing notions of satisfaction were examined in a 2006 study of 133 Parisians and 145 Chicagoans published in the journal Obesity. While the French paid attention to an internal cue, the feeling of fullness, the Windy City-ers relied on the external: when their plate was empty; when their companion had finished eating; or when -- quelle horreur! -- the credits started to roll on the TV show they were watching.

Love salt? You might be a 'supertaster'updated Wed Jun 16 2010 08:20:59

If you love salty snacks and reach for the saltshaker like clockwork at every meal, you might think you have dull or underpowered taste buds that need a boost to get excited.

How integrative medicine can help your healthupdated Wed May 19 2010 08:17:59

There are countless opinions regarding how to improve health care in the United States, but many experts agree on one fact: "Our current health-care system is mainly a sick-care system," says Adam Perlman, executive director of the Institute for Complementary and Alternative Medicine at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.

Cheese boosts immune system of the elderlyupdated Fri May 14 2010 07:54:56

Eating cheese boosts the immune system of older people, according to a new study by scientists in Finland.

Is it safe to eat lettuce amid E. coli outbreak?updated Thu May 13 2010 09:02:48

Ask Douglas Powell, food safety expert and keeper of Barfblog, whether he'd consider a salad of fresh romaine for dinner tonight.

Study: Pregnant women should get more vitamin Dupdated Sat May 01 2010 09:06:12

Pregnant women could -- and probably should -- consume 10 times more vitamin D than experts currently recommend, according to a new study.

Guilt-free eating: 10 nutrition myths debunkedupdated Fri Apr 30 2010 09:35:47

Some nutrition myths bounce around on crazy e-mail chain letters and pop up on goofy evening news reports. Others fuel the sale of rip-off diet books. Some are so accepted they seem hardwired into our brains. Take deep-fried foods, for example. They're universally bad for you, right? Well, no.

Pedal power is fueling green awarenessupdated Thu Apr 22 2010 08:14:37

From Detroit to Denmark, the power of the pedal is generating electricity and energy conservation awareness.

Self-help treatment effective for binge eating, researchers sayupdated Thu Apr 01 2010 09:49:24

Help to control binge eating could be as simple as a self-help book and check-ins with a health educator, according to new research out this month.

How much should you exercise?updated Tue Mar 30 2010 08:37:01

The headlines sounded promising -- 20 minutes of interval exercise can provide the same benefits as many hours of conventional workouts. But soon after came another study, this one suggesting that women should work out an hour every day just to maintain their weight.

Fatty foods may cause cocaine-like addictionupdated Sun Mar 28 2010 14:42:38

Scientists have finally confirmed what the rest of us have suspected for years: Bacon, cheesecake, and other delicious yet fattening foods may be addictive.

An inconvenient challenge: Eat 'real food' for a monthupdated Tue Mar 02 2010 13:01:16

The task set by a food blogger seemed deceptively simple: Eat real food for a month.

How to fight childhood obesity in 3 stepsupdated Mon Feb 08 2010 17:57:37

Worried about your child's weight? You can do more than just nag him or her about eating too much junk food. Implementing three healthy family habits--eating dinner together, making sure they get enough sleep, and limiting TV--may help.

Why portion control mattersupdated Tue Jan 26 2010 09:43:17

Among all the ways to change your diet for the better, portion control sounds like the one thought up by a pocket-protector-wearing nutrition nerd patrolling the school cafeteria. To be portion-preoccupied means to be tyrannized by food scales and little tape measures: Is this chicken breast bigger than a pack of cards? Portion policing runs against the ideal of a relaxed, balanced, real-world diet in which healthy food choices bring satisfaction without too much worry about quantity.

The surprising reason why being overweight isn't healthyupdated Thu Jan 21 2010 09:47:14

It's shocking, but it's true: Being a woman who's more than 20 pounds overweight may actually hike your risk of getting poor medical treatment. In fact, weighing too much can have surprising -- and devastating -- health repercussions beyond the usual diabetes and heart-health concerns you've heard about for years.

Obesity rates stabilize but remain highupdated Thu Jan 14 2010 15:15:53

Obesity rates in the United States are still sky-high, but for the moment they appear to have stopped climbing higher, according to new data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Farmed or wild fish: Which is healthier?updated Wed Jan 13 2010 18:36:40

Got a wish for fish?

New York seeks national reduction of salt in foodupdated Mon Jan 11 2010 17:26:55

First it was trans fats. Then it was high-calorie fast food. Now, the New York City Health Department is tackling another diet enemy: salt.

What you need to know about multivitaminsupdated Fri Jan 01 2010 09:38:12

In this day and age of food-on-the-go, supplements can add much-needed nutrients to your diet. But a walk down the vitamin aisle at any store could very well make your head spin. Here's a breakdown of several of multivitamin options.

20 ways to get healthier for freeupdated Fri Dec 25 2009 09:02:28

Celebrate the New Year with a new you -- by dipping into our smart batch of strategies to keep you happy and healthy (at no cost!) all year long.

Try holiday foods with a nutritional punchupdated Wed Dec 23 2009 08:02:17

Many foods we eat during the holidays have nutrients that may help prevent disease.

Extreme diets: Life on 800 calories a dayupdated Tue Dec 15 2009 10:26:25

Her death made headlines around the world: Samantha Clowe, a 34-year-old British woman, died suddenly this fall from a previously undiagnosed heart condition. At the time of her death, Clowe was following a plan called LighterLife, a very low-calorie diet designed to help obese and severely obese patients lose weight.

College's too-fat-to-graduate rule under fireupdated Mon Nov 30 2009 10:28:23

Most college students expect to receive their diplomas on the basis of grades, but at a Pennsylvania school, physical fitness matters too.

FDA: Caffeinated alcoholic drinks may be illegalupdated Fri Nov 13 2009 17:09:29

The Food and Drug Administration has notified about 30 manufacturers of alcoholic beverages containing added caffeine that it intends to take a look at their products.

Study: Dieters happier on low-fat, not low-carb, plansupdated Tue Nov 10 2009 11:44:09

People who spend a full year on a strict low-carbohydrate diet can lose weight, but they might be happier -- and lose just as many pounds -- if they focus on reducing fat intake instead of carbohydrates, new research suggests.

2 dead, 28 sick from E. coli outbreakupdated Tue Nov 03 2009 14:37:25

Two people have died and 28 people have fallen ill with matching strains of E. coli after an outbreak in ground beef, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.

How to choose healthy, ocean-friendly fishupdated Tue Oct 20 2009 14:08:44

Salmon, tuna, and other fish are loaded with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, so they must be good for you, right? Not so fast--some types of fish have more mercury than others, and others are harvested from the ocean or farmed in a way that's harmful to the environment.

Plan your ideal walking workoutupdated Tue Sep 29 2009 09:34:07

Walking is a wonder exercise. Not only can it can help control weight, it also reduces the risk of developing diabetes, certain cancers, and heart disease. Walking bestows benefits to the brain too, by relieving stress and improving mood. Best of all, walking is free: You don't need fancy equipment or a gym membership to reap the benefits. Here's how to make every step count, no matter how often you hit the pavement.

Why we eat too much, and how to get controlupdated Fri Sep 18 2009 09:28:59

We all know we're supposed to eat healthy portions. So why is it that a rough day at the office or even just the smell of chocolate-chip cookies can cause us to throw our best intentions out the window?

Fasting carries risk of overeatingupdated Fri Sep 11 2009 09:23:56

The temptation to eat a lot during Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting, is great, but Saiful Khandker makes a conscious effort to not overdo it.

Healthy meals for after exerciseupdated Tue Sep 01 2009 09:24:08

What you eat after a workout matters!

Like sweet wine? Your choice may reveal your personalityupdated Mon Aug 31 2009 12:07:12

Do you crave pinot grigio or prefer a nice Riesling? Turns out a glass of wine may be more than just a drink -- your choice could shed light on your personality too.

How to avoid gaining the Freshman 15updated Wed Aug 26 2009 09:24:30

So many first-year college students gain unwanted pounds that the so-called Freshman 15 is the subject of a new MTV reality show. (They're auditioning now.)

Student diet 101: Don't eat moldupdated Tue Aug 11 2009 11:25:29

As college students enter the halls of elite education and higher learning, here is one piece of advice: Learn from the caveman.

Olympic speed winners getting taller, heavierupdated Wed Aug 05 2009 09:09:26

Michael Phelps, who scored his fifth gold medal at the world championships in Rome, Italy, last weekend, has a body that frequently propels him to world record speeds in the pool.

Vitamin D deficiency common in U.S. childrenupdated Mon Aug 03 2009 16:41:26

A whopping 70 percent of American kids aren't getting enough vitamin D, and such youngsters tend to have higher blood pressure and lower levels of good cholesterol than their peers, according to two new studies published this week in the journal Pediatrics. Low vitamin D levels also may increase a child's risk of developing heart disease later in life, experts say.

How to stretch your food budgetupdated Mon Aug 03 2009 14:19:17

While your food budget may have tightened , you need not sacrifice taste and freshness to save a few dollars. Aim for the best value in terms of quality, freshness, and good nutrition to feed your family healthful foods. We'll show you how.

Weight-loss surgery safe, but sleep apnea increases riskupdated Wed Jul 29 2009 17:25:14

Weight-loss surgery isn't risk-free, but a new study suggests that in the hands of a skilled surgeon, it may be safer than previously thought. However, some people -- including those with sleep apnea or a history of blood clots -- are more likely to have problems with surgery than others, according to a study published this week in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Small drinks promise big energy, but experts say effects unclearupdated Wed Jul 15 2009 06:38:04

From supermarkets to the office supply store, it's hard to miss those tiny bottles of 5-hour Energy.

Fewer calories equals a longer life -- At least in monkeysupdated Thu Jul 09 2009 18:03:49

Cutting daily calorie intake by 30 percent may put the brakes on the aging process, have beneficial effects on the brain, and result in a longer life span, according to a new 20-year study of monkeys published in the journal Science.

How to dine out without hurting your heartupdated Mon Jul 06 2009 09:29:52

Americans talk a good game about wanting to eat well. More than 75 percent claim they want to see more healthy options on restaurant menus. But when it comes time to order, only about half say they actually make nutritious choices, according to a recent survey.

Toll House cookie dough recalled, linked to E. coliupdated Fri Jun 19 2009 14:12:02

Two federal agencies warned consumers Friday not to eat raw Nestle Toll House refrigerated cookie dough.

Walking test can ID heart-lung fitness, mortality riskupdated Thu May 21 2009 10:25:16

If you're middle-aged or older, a 10-minute walking test can give you and your doctor a pretty clear picture of whether you are at higher risk of dying during the next few years compared with other people your age, according to a large new analysis of data showing that cardiorespiratory fitness is intimately linked with the risk of dying of just about any cause.

Fish, olive oil, nuts good for eyes too, more studies findupdated Mon May 11 2009 17:20:12

Do you want to keep your vision clear as the years go by? Put fish, olive oil, and nuts on the menu, but stay away from trans fats, according to new research from Australia.

Former model: Fret over being fit, not how you lookupdated Tue May 05 2009 02:57:41

Celebrities and their bodies. We're obsessed. They're obsessed. And it spills over to how many people feel about themselves. But how much concern over weight gain is about vanity and how much is about critical health issues?

Chew on this: Gum may be good for body, mindupdated Wed Apr 22 2009 15:48:46

If you're looking to curb your appetite and improve your memory, you're probably exercising, eating healthier foods and trying to get some sleep.

Thinner is better to curb global warming, study saysupdated Mon Apr 20 2009 12:49:31

Here's yet another reason to stay in shape: Thinner people contribute less to global warming, according to a new study.

Food safety progress 'has plateaued,' CDC saysupdated Thu Apr 09 2009 16:06:24

In January, salmonella was linked to peanut products; last week, pistachio products. And on Thursday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said overall infection rates for salmonella and other foodborne pathogens have not changed significantly over the last four years.

Trying to lose weight? Watch what you drinkupdated Tue Apr 07 2009 09:47:58

75 percent of U.S. adults are projected to be overweight or obese by 2015, according to researchers. Americans consume anywhere from 150 to 300 more calories than they did three decades ago and half of those calories come from liquid. A new study out of John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health finds that reducing liquid calories, especially from sugar-sweetened drinks such as punches, fruit juices and sodas, helps people lose weight and keep it off.

'Miracle fruit' turns sour things sweetupdated Wed Mar 25 2009 09:27:23

The small fruit has the color of a cranberry, the shape of an almond and tastes like a flavorless gummy.

Experts weigh in on which vitamins to toss back or toss outupdated Fri Mar 20 2009 10:54:17

Americans love to take their vitamins. More than 150 million Americans take dietary supplements according to the Council for Responsible Nutrition, a supplement industry trade group.

Eating healthy on a shoestring budgetupdated Fri Mar 06 2009 09:42:32

CNN correspondent Sean Callebs has just finished a long assignment: living on food stamps during all of February. He tracked his experiences on the American Morning blog.

How to get Michelle Obama's toned armsupdated Fri Feb 27 2009 13:49:13

First lady Michelle Obama has a fashion following, with blogs tracking her daily garment choices.

New hope for preventing age-related macular degenerationupdated Tue Feb 24 2009 14:25:54

Researchers may be getting closer to an effective way of preventing age-related macular degeneration, one of the leading causes of vision loss among older Americans.

Future foods will cater to personal healthupdated Wed Feb 18 2009 09:24:05

Wouldn't it be great if you knew which foods you should be eating based on your own personal health profile?

Quiz: Can you recognize a portion?updated Mon Feb 16 2009 14:25:44

Calculator: Are you overweight?updated Thu Feb 12 2009 17:20:14

Quiz: How you eat vs. what you eatupdated Wed Feb 11 2009 17:49:02

How to read food labelsupdated Wed Feb 11 2009 16:01:04

Quiz: How many calories do you drink?updated Wed Feb 11 2009 15:14:09

Papa John's founder warns against eating too much pizzaupdated Fri Feb 06 2009 08:59:48

The founder of one of America's largest pizza chains has offered unexpected advice to his customers to limit themselves to only one or two slices.

Gym etiquette: Consider others when working outupdated Tue Feb 03 2009 12:34:14

Exercise can be a sweaty proposition. And with millions of Americans jumping on the exercise bandwagon, all that perspiration can become downright messy.

Beefy football linemen fight fat after leaving fieldupdated Fri Jan 30 2009 14:54:30

Football players guzzle protein shakes, down steaks and lift weights. They train and gain weight, hoping to build mass under the careful eye of the team's coaches, nutritionists and gurus.

Flyers beware: Altitude sickness isn't just for climbersupdated Tue Jan 20 2009 15:12:51

Every year millions of people go to the mountains for backpacking, skiing, mountain climbing and other activities and are surprised to find that they don't feel well. It's because the higher you climb above sea level, the less oxygen there is in the air. This causes problems for people who normally live at lower altitudes because their bodies aren't used to working on so little oxygen. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in July 2007 found that even some airline passengers can fall victim to altitude sickness.

Do fat cells last forever?updated Tue Jan 20 2009 15:09:18

What if your doctor told you that even after the weight comes off, your number of fat cells stays the same, and it will be an uphill battle to keep the pounds off? Research published in May 2008 in the journal Nature finds fat cells can shrink -- but they don't go away.

Eating with your stomach, not your eyesupdated Fri Jan 16 2009 09:29:09

It's halfway through January and your initial enthusiasm for those fitness resolutions may be waning.

Steps to trim calories and waistlineupdated Wed Jan 07 2009 18:23:06

Losing weight and getting healthy isn't easy, but it's often the little things that add up over time. Here are some things you may want to avoid and some you should include in your diet if your resolution is to lose weight and feel fine in 2009.

Experts reveal health secrets for busy peopleupdated Thu Jan 01 2009 09:27:38

The mirror doesn't lie. Those buttery cookies and slices of ham from the holidays are showing up in the wrong places on your body.

Supplements: Toss 'em or pop 'em?updated Mon Dec 22 2008 12:45:26

Americans spend billions of dollars a year on supplements in hopes of making up for the lack of nutrients in our diets, staying healthy, looking young and extending our lifespan. But do they actually work? The National Institutes of Health doesn't specifically recommend any daily supplements because there is no research or studies that show unequivocally that a specific supplement works. However, there have been studies that prove certain supplements do not work, such as ginko (to help memory) and echinacea (to ward off a cold). There are a few dietary supplements that show some benefits: calcium supplements and vitamin D (to reduce the risk of osteoporosis), omega 3 supplements (to reduce the risk of heart disease) and folic acid supplements (to prevent major birth defects).

Vitamin D: Hyped or true wonder?updated Mon Dec 22 2008 12:28:10

Vitamins are important for good health. Now, doctors are touting the benefits of vitamin D. Is this the new fabulous vitamin of the 21st century or just another supplement?

How do you stay motivated to maintain a healthy weight?updated Fri Dec 19 2008 20:18:10

How do you stay motivated to begin and maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle?

Chinese weight-loss camp helps U.S. manupdated Thu Dec 11 2008 20:18:21

At the Aimin Fat Reduction Hospital in the Chinese city of Tianjin, they have never seen anyone so big.

What can my daughter do for her daily migraines?updated Tue Dec 09 2008 21:11:15

Our daughter is 22 and suffers from daily migraines. We have tried numerous doctors and medicines in three states and still have no answer. She has no life. This has been going on for more than six years. We are hoping for an answer.

Does vitamin D fight cancer?updated Tue Dec 09 2008 16:16:04

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego found that vitamin D intake is correlated with decreased rates of breast and colon cancers in 15 countries. The American Cancer Society says further study is needed. The study was published in January 2008 in the Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

Red meat linked to metabolic syndromeupdated Tue Dec 09 2008 16:01:57

A study says eating too much red meat can increase your chance of getting conditions that lead to heart disease and diabetes. Middle-aged people who ate at least two servings of meat per day increased their risk of metabolic syndrome by 26 percent. The research was published in the January 22, 2008, issue of Circulation.

Celebrity diet tricks that work (and two that you should avoid)updated Tue Dec 09 2008 09:05:17

When you see photos of Cameron Diaz's slim silhouette or Jessica Alba's flat post-pregnancy tummy, you probably wonder just how Hollywood stars stay so lean or snap back into shape so quickly. While many swear their svelte bods come from eating right and exercising round the clock, the truth is that some celebs may go to strange and interesting lengths to get or stay pin thin. Here, the skinny on exactly what the big names do to get red-carpet ready -- from the healthy strategies you'll want to steal to the just plain wacky ideas you'll want to avoid.