| One of the most important things you can do | | | | less decreased it even more to 23 |
| for fat loss, controlling weight gain and for | | | | percent.While it's still unclear exactly what |
| overall health is often overlooked. MORE | | | | causes this increased risk, scientists |
| SLEEP! Yes, you actually need to sleep more | | | | believe that lack of sleep lowers the amount |
| to gain less!A lack of sleep could be | | | | of leptin your body produces. Leptin is a |
| contributing to America's obesity epidemic. A | | | | protein that suppresses appetite and is |
| recent Columbia University study found that | | | | responsible for telling your brain when your |
| not getting enough sleep could put you at | | | | stomach is full. In addition, when you are |
| increased risk for weight gain.The study, | | | | sleep-deprived, you are less able to make |
| presented at the meeting of the North | | | | clear decisions and may eat more food than |
| American Association for the Study of | | | | your body actually needs.What's the lesson? A |
| Obesity, analyzed data from 18,000 adults and | | | | good night's sleep is not only critical for |
| found that those who slept less than the | | | | your mental health; it may also be a crucial |
| recommended seven hours a night had an | | | | part of your diet.So, good night and sleep |
| increased risk of obesity. People who slept | | | | tight!Be well & stay fit!Aimee DeakAimee Deak |
| for less than four hours per night were 73 | | | | is a certified personal trainer, nutrition |
| percent more likely to be obese than those | | | | analyst and author of the book, "Every Body |
| who slept for seven to nine hours. Getting | | | | Loses", an easy-to follow, |
| five hours of sleep or less decreased that | | | | |
| risk to 50 percent, and getting six hours or | | | | step-by-step guide to fat loss. |