Stress and sleep--too little or too much-- are major factors, if you're trying to lose weight.

Studies of obese people in a 6-month weight loss program show that if you keep on track with weekly meetings, a food diary and regular exercise show that staying on track guarantees success.  But, people who were more stressed lost less weight, as did people who slept less than 6 or more than 8 hours nightly. 

Dr. Rich O'Neill, psychologist at SUNY Upstate, says the brain compensates for stress (and depression) by being satisfied with food--which may explain the cravings people have when they're under pressure.  O'Neill says the worries over exams, summer weddings and more add to stress, and reducing concerns will help if part of the goal is to be pounds thinner.

Take a look at the study in the International Journal of Obesity