Secret to Being Naturally Thin

Have you ever noticed how some people seem to just naturally stay slim while others gain weight just looking at food? A new study may shed some light on why: It all boils down to brain chemistry.

Researchers studied the differences in MRI responses in people who were "naturally" thin and those who struggled with their weight with some interesting results. They found it took longer for the area of the brain called the left amygdala to register "fullness" in overweight people than thinner ones. Or in other words, heavier people had to eat more food and more calories to get the same signal that said "stop." Researchers said the discovery may someday lead to a treatment for overeating.

If you tend to overeat, you can put this news to work in your favor right now by starting your meals with a low-calorie soup or a salad with low-calorie dressing first to help encourage a feeling of fullness without a lot of calories, and then by taking your time when you eat, which will give your brain more time to register satisfaction. Soon others will be wondering how you stay so "naturally" thin, too!