Heart Doc's Tips for a Healthy Ticker

First-ever video game supported by NHS

(NEWSER) - Turn on the boob tube and get fit. That's the message from the British National Health Service, which is endorsing Nintendo's new Wii Fit Plus video game. It's the first time ever the service has endorsed a video game and it's sure to raise criticism from some health experts, reports the Telegraph. Nintendo can use the endorsement in advertising plugging the updated game, which leads viewers through a series of exercises and goes on sale in Britain this week. More»

Psychological benefits of working out not related to actual fitness: study

(NEWSER) - Good news for the semi-motivated couch potato: doing just a little exercise—not actually getting fit—will make you feel better about yourself, a new study says. University of Florida researchers reviewing 57 studies on exercise and body image found that people who exercised got the same body-image boost no matter the duration, intensity, length, or type of exercise. More»

Physical activity seems not to be 'primary driver' of obesity: researchers

(NEWSER) - Diet is more important than exercise when it comes to reducing obesity, LiveScience reports. A new study compared African American women living in Chicago, who weighed an average of 184 pounds, with women in rural Nigeria, who weighed 127. Contrary to researchers' expectations, the Nigerians were not any more physically active, but they did have healthier diets. More»

Common mistakes can prevent weight loss

(NEWSER) - If you've mustered the energy to lose weight, nothing is more frustrating than not seeing results. Men's Health lists some common mistakes:

1. Too much carb consumption
2. You're eating low-fat foods, but more of them
3. Skipping breakfast can lead to sugar bingeing

A little drinking can help a lot if you're active, European study finds

(NEWSER) - Moderate drinking may help you live longer, according to a new study by Danish researchers. Scientists followed 12,000 participants for 20 years and found that, regardless of how much they exercised, those who drank in moderation were about 30% less likely to develop heart disease than teetotalers. Physically active drinkers saw 50% less risk than non-active non-drinkers. More»