Marijuana may have helped pharmaceutical companies find the secret to weight-loss pills, a drug which helps turn off the brain circuits that make people hungry after puffing on a joint is set to become the world's first blockbuster anti-obesity drug, with analysts expecting sales to reach $3 billion a year.

Sanofi-Aventis SA's Acomplia, which could receive approval from U.S. regulators as early as next month, is the first in a string of new treatments that could mean fat pockets from some pharmaceuticals

A study conducted in Iceland concluded that a simple change in genetics could predispose almost 40 percent of the population to type-2 diabetes.

Researchers released results of the study Sunday. Kari Stefansson and his team of colleagues say that they are hoping their findings will help pave the way for better treatments and a possible cure

A very low calorie diet can help the heart age more slowly, according to researchers who released what they call the first-ever human study on the subject. The findings confirmed earlier studies on mice and rats that demonstrate the cardiac benefits of a restricted calorie diet.

The study looked at the heart function of 25 members of the Caloric Restriction Society, ages 41 to 64, who consume 1,400 to 2,000 nutritionally balanced calories per day. They were compared to 25 people who eat a typical Western diet, consuming 2,000 to 3,000 daily calories on average

The FDA issued a warning Friday to consumers regarding two Brazilian diet pills, saying their claims to be "all-natural" were false and that they actually contain potentially harmful ingredients.

Emagrece Sim (also touted as the Brazilian Diet Pill) and Herbathin, both of which can be purchased online, have tested positive for stimulants, antidepressants and tranquilizers

The latest Southeastern Institute of Research/Boomer Project Trend Report finds Baby Boomers over the age of 50 drink water and take vitamins to stay healthy.

However, boomers as a whole are well aware they must also exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet and drink plenty of water