13 things you never knew about your weight

• It Really Is Genetic
  People with one or two copies of the “fatso” gene (now more politely called FTO) weighed more too.
• Some People Just Have More Fat Cells
  Some people have twice as many fat cells as others have. Even if you’ve lost a few pounds (or gained some), your fat-cell count remains, holding tight to the fat already inside and forever thirsting to be filled up with more.
• You Can Change Your Metabolism
  As you gain more fat (even as little as 11 pounds), your metabolism slows down and it becomes harder to lose it.
• Stress Fattens You Up
  Stressful circumstances spark cravings for carbohydrate-rich snack foods, which in turn calm stress hormones. Stress hormones also ramp up fat storage. Today we take our stress sitting down – and the unused calories accumulate in our midsection.
• Mom’s Pregnancy Sealed Your Fate
  Sugary and fatty foods consumed even before you’re born affect the child. You can give your kids a head start by eating well before they’re born.
• Sleep More, Lose More
  With more sleep patients have a greater sense of fullness, and they’ll spontaneously lose weight. Patients should get less than seven to eight hours.
• Your Spouse’s Weight Matters
  Weight gain and loss can be, well, contagious. Researchers concluded that obesity seems to spread through social networks.
• Achoo! A Virus Can Cause Obesity
  Some cells transform into fat cells when infected with a viruses.
• Cookies Really Are Addictive
  Parts of the brain that get excited with food are the same parts activated in drug addicts.
• Ear Infections Can Taint Your Taste Buds
  People who tasted food less intensely than others seemed more likely to be fat. Those over 35 who had suffered several ear infections had almost double the chance of being obese.
• Antioxidants Are Also Anti-Fat
  Avoid the junk and load up on colorful, antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables.
• Pick a Diet, Any Diet
  All diets agree to the 4 main things:
  - Consume carbs in the form of whole grains and fiber.
  - Avoid trans fats and saturated fats.
  - Eat lean protein.
  - Fill up on fruits and vegetables.
• You Can Be Fat and Fit
  Metabolically abnormal-making them more vulnerable to heart disease than their heavier counterparts. You need about 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity five days a week for health.

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