Look at the guy that ate nothing but subway sandwiches, he lost a ton of weight. IMO, smaller proportions and eating more fruits, vegetables and less processed foods, junk foods and snacks plus excercising more. As for people over 40 gaining weight, muscle mass is lost when you hit 40. That is why you not only need to step up your aerobic activity to 4 or 5 days a week, at least 30 minutes a day but lift weights as well. Heck if everyone took a walk or something everyday they wouldn't have to worry about dieting.

Gplimpton, my cousin is a cardiologist. He did 5 yrs med school and 7 years after that (3yrs reg medicine, 3 yrs cardiology, and 1 yr angioplasty). He is the brightest person I know (has always been that way) and always listen to what he has to say about health. He is thin - maybe too thin and is always reading medical journals. I respect his judgement as the truth. He says it's bad and I believe him.

All medical schools in the US are 4 years (unless you're getting a joint PhD or master's etc, which involves non-medicine curriculum).

There are no standard post-grad residency programs which last more than 7 years.
Fellowships may be added infinitely if one chooses.

Unfortunately that's not right. The years I've listed above are correct. Enough with the free medical advice. From now on people can pay for it.