health, weight | WOPULAR

Cash can bribe dieters to lose weight, study finds

Researchers are reporting success with using cash incentives to help people lose weight. In a yearlong study, people were offered a chance to win or lose $20 a month if they met certain diet goals. They lost an average of 9 pounds compared to just over 2 pounds for other study participants who were not offered the chance to win money if they shed pounds.

Could fat-blocking Pepsi actually work? Well, maybe

A soda that claims to prevent the absorption of fat in your body is launching in Japan this week. What’s next, cavity-reducing candy?

How lack of sleep can make you fat

Even a few nights of sleep deprivation, according to a new study, can make your fat cells behave like they're much older and less responsive to the hormone that controls metabolism.

Good news on childhood obesity treatment

Finally, there’s good news on the child obesity front. A new study published online today suggests that inexpensive, community-based obesity intervention programs can work very well for kids who struggle with weight issues.

Study: Women who keep food diary more likely to lose weight

Women who keep a food journal, don't skip meals and don't eat out lunch at restaurants very often lose more weight, a new study shows.

All the 2 percent want to do is gain weight

Like many 23-year-olds, Amanda Eang is self-conscious about her body. She constantly covers up and wears loose-fitting clothing to disguise her shape. At five-foot-two, she weighs just 93 pounds, and for years she has tried to gain weight.

Exercise could counter the effects of the 'obesity gene'

Having a so-called obesity gene doesn't necessarily doom you to being fat, a study finds — if you stay active.

Senh: It's kinda obvious, but I guess there's facts to proof it. Now, you can't use the obesity gene as an excuse not to exercise.

Healthy obese people may live as long as thin folks

Not everyone who is obese needs to lose weight — it's possible to carry extra pounds and still be healthy, a new study says. Although obesity brings an increased risk of many health complications, the new study shows that people who are obese but do not have such complications might live as long as normal weight individuals.