New Science Of Weight Loss

In its series on Women's Health, The Early Show examined a different approach to losing weight — and keeping it off.

Author Mark Hyman joined the broadcast to talk about his new book, "Ultra-Metabolism: The Simple Plan for Automatic Weight Loss." He told co-anchor Rene Syler that only two to six percent of all attempts at weight loss are successful. Even worse, he says, the average person ultimately gains five pounds over their starting weight after going off a diet plan.

"When we reduce our calories during the day our bodies tend to slow our metabolism automatically. We're actually programmed to gain weight and keep it on. Unless we understand that, we'll fail," Hyman told Syler. "That's why most diets fail. That's why most diets are based on the wrong ideas and are really obsolete."

Hyman says an effective diet needs to be grounded in science, and needs to be tailored to a person's specific genetic make-up. "I always say if you want to fit into your jeans you have to fit into your genes," he said. "Because we have to eat in a way that we're designed. That's basically by eating in a way that controls our appetite."

Controlling your appetite is the first of the seven keys Hyman outlines for the science of weight loss.

1. Control your appetite
2: Subdue stress
3: Cool the fire of inflammation
4: Prevent rust or oxidative stress
5: Turn calories into energy
6: Fortify your thyroid
7: Love your liver

To read an excerpt from "Ultra-Metabolism," click here.

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