A layer of fat around the heart offers protection. Unless there’s a little too much and it’s composed of damaging substances that can leak directly into your heart. Here’s how that happens and how to gauge your risk…

Being overweight is considered a risk factor for heart disease. But rumblings among experts began casting doubt on BMI as a measure of that risk. It’s been missing an important fat distribution detail that gives a much clearer, potentially life-saving picture…

Do you spend several hours a week working out to lose weight? Maybe you’ve been at it for a while but aren’t seeing the results you hoped for in the mirror. You may even question if it’s worth it. These findings will leave no doubt in your mind about the benefits you’re reaping…

Despite all we know about the dangers of smoking, nearly one in 12 U.S. adults still does. And while many of them may want to kick the habit, concerns about weight gain is one excuse holding them back. If only they knew the irony of what smoking does to their belly fat…

Belly fat signals much more than weight gain. It can hide a ticking time bomb deep in your abdomen known as visceral fat. This type of fat has already been linked to diabetes, heart disease and stroke — and now the most feared condition of aging…

You might think that if you eat healthy otherwise, splurging on a few snacks a day balances out. It depends. Choose wisely and you’ll carry less fat compared not only to those who snack on the wrong stuff, but also compared to those who don’t snack at all…