An amazing 41 percent of those on a diet gain back more weight than they lost in five years. Recent studies indicate this is due to a power play by the dieter’s brain. That’s why contestants on “The Biggest Loser” drop hundreds of pounds while on the show, but struggle in their real lives to keep the pounds off.

Felicia Stoler, author of “Living Skinny in Fat Genes,” says weight loss struggles may have nothing to do with being lazy or lack of willpower. The latest research suggests the brain has a body weight span that is hard wired. In other words this span is pre-set and designed to stop what the brain perceives as possible starvation. The exact amount is different for everyone and is determined by genetics and living conditions.

If you notice your body weight fluctuating over the years, at a greater weight than you want, your brain is simply telling your body to store more fat. Of course, storing additional fat makes you weigh more. Dieting can send a signal to your brain, causing the brain to hold on to extra weight, fighting off the effects of potential starvation. The fact is brain weight, what your brain wants you to weigh, tends to be more than you would want. The brain actually fights with your body helping to pack on those extra unhealthy pounds.

On Late Night Health, Stoler shares her thoughts to get your brain to focus your brain weight correctly. Learning how to stop giving in to cravings and dropping bad eating habits is just the start. She explains how your genes take control in predetermining your weight.

Research published in the journal Nature found there are 49 genes that regulate abdominal fat. This genetic pre-disposition is inherited from your parents. Stoler shares her secrets to re-set the brain weight mechanism, with advice from her book “Living Skinny in Fat Genes”.

air date: 10/14/16