If you have a pear shape, larger hips and a smaller midsection, be thankful. Women's tendency to deposit fat in the hips and thighs is protective against certain chronic conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, according to a study published in a 2012 issue of the Biology of Sex Differences.

Sea kelp plants are found in salt water and are a rich source of iodine, iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium and other minerals. There are several types of sea kelp, such as bladderwrack, which are used as nutritional supplements for thyroid disorders, digestive problems, arthritis, obesity and other ailments.

When it comes to weight loss, an often-overlooked factor is long-term success. The National Weight Control Registry maintains data on Americans who have lost more than 30 lb. and have maintained their weight loss for more than a year. Of these Americans, 90 percent exercise an average of one hour a day.

Millions of people play table tennis, also known as ping pong. The sport is popular around the world, and with good reason. It offers entertainment, good cardiovascular exercise and health benefits to players of different ages and fitness levels.

Greer Childers is notoriously famous for creating the BodyFlex weight-loss program. For over 20 years, she has been sharing her secret for weight-loss success.

Quick results in weight loss require consistent action. You can safely lose 3 to 6 pounds in 20 days by making changes in your diet and physical activity.

Walking is one of the best ways to jump-start your weight loss journey: It's low-impact and literally as simple as putting one foot in front of the other. If you walk at a 4-mph pace, you can consistently complete 15-minute miles.

Weight loss can help improve your health if your doctor has indicated that you're overweight, but a 17-year-old boy or girl shouldn't obsessively restrict calories or over exercise.

You’ve probably heard the saying “you can’t outrun a bad diet,” but that doesn’t stop people from hoping -- and trying -- to find that miracle pill/exercise/diet that will let them eat what they want AND lose weight.

According to MayoClinic.com, drinking fruit and vegetable juices is no healthier than eating the fresh fruits and veggies, whole. However, if you rarely eat fresh produce but enjoy juices, using a juicer may help encourage you to include these healthy options in your daily diet. If you reduce your overall caloric intake so that it is less than your caloric expenditure, you will start losing weight.

Esophageal spasms occur when the muscles of your esophagus contract and cause pain. They can lead to problems with swallowing, and a bland diet may reduce your risk for them.

Protein bars are a type of energy bar that contains a higher ratio of protein to carbohydrate. The bars are ideal for fitness enthusiasts looking for optimum muscle repair and growth. Some protein bars are designed to act as a meal replacement for consumers wishing to lose weight.