Being overweight increases the risk of several chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, gallbladder disease, sleep apnea, and certain types of cancer. Compared to 15 years ago, Americans are about eight pounds heavier.
Weight loss is a common goal for many.
But even the successful ones have a hard time keeping the weight off - most people gain it all back within five years. Obesity is caused by overeating and not getting enough exercise. Researchers at the University of Florida are trying to find out why overweight people eat too much. When we're hungry, brain activity increases in an area called the hypothalamus. In normal weight participants, it took about ten minutes.