Habits

Weight loss isn’t just about “calories in versus calories out.” Total energy expenditure explains how your body actually burns calories each day — from basic functions like breathing to digestion and daily movement. Learn how BMR, food, and activity work together so you can stop guessing and start building habits that support a healthier metabolism and quality weight loss.

Staying active is about more than hitting the gym. Learn why everyday movement, building and preserving muscle, and consistent physical activity are essential for metabolism, metabolic health, healthy aging and lasting weight management.

Lifespan vs. healthspan is more than a longevity debate — it’s about how well you live the years you’re given. Learn the healthspan definition, explore what centenarians do differently and discover how everyday habits can help you live better, not just longer.

If getting healthy were just about knowing what to do, most people wouldn’t struggle. While the healthier choice is often easy to identify, research shows that lasting weight and metabolic health improvements are driven by behavior change — not knowledge or willpower alone. Sustainable habits are built through confidence, motivation, self-regulation skills and the support that helps people turn intention into consistent action.

Are you ready to make real, lasting changes to your health? Instead of quick fixes, lasting well-being comes from building healthy habits into your daily routine. Dr. A's Habits of Health system shows you how small, sustainable steps can transform your life for the better.

Body composition goes beyond the number on the scale, offering a deeper understanding of your health. Learn what body composition is, why it matters, how to measure it and tips to improve your body composition.

Want to change your life? Start by designing the right environment.  OPTA VIA’s co-founder and New York Times best-selling author Dr. Wayne Scott Andersen (aka Dr. A) has long prompted people to reconsider how they approach health by asking themselves one question: What if the first step to living a longer, healthier life is to design your world differently? Despite the millions of lives he’s transformed through his work both as a former critical care physician and currently

Every January, we swear this will be the year. We'll eat cleaner, move more, stress less — until Quitter’s Day sneaks up and reality hits.

How long does it take to start losing weight? The answer depends on your body, habits and the program for losing weight you follow. Learn what realistic progress looks like, why losing weight can feel hard at first and how to stay on track — even if you’re working out but not losing weight or navigating changes like menopause.

Most Americans are concerned about their metabolic health, yet many don’t understand what it really means or how to improve it. In this article, Dr. Wayne Scott Andersen shares why science, structure and the support of a caring coach are key to turning healthy intentions into lasting habits with OPTAVIA.

If you're asking yourself, "what is OPTAVIA?" you've come to the right place. OPTAVIA is more than just a diet. It’s a structured, supportive game plan for your goals — from losing weight* and building better habits to getting the tools to help keep the weight off.  

Longer days, looser schedules, more invites. Summer has a way of pulling us out of structure — and right into situations where cravings creep in and healthy habits slip. From spontaneous happy hours to pool days that turn into BBQ nights, it’s easy to find yourself off track before you even realize it.  But here’s the good news: you don’t have to miss out on the fun to stay aligned with your goals. It’s all about having a plan — and a few smart swaps — in your back pocket.

You might be asking yourself: Why am I not losing weight ? You’re doing everything right. Eating healthy , getting your steps in, adequate sleep. But the scale? It’s stuck. Before you start blaming your metabolism or giving up altogether, take a deep breath and — a closer look at the habits that might be silently sabotaging your progress.  The truth is, weight loss isn’t always about willpower or intensity — it’s about consistency, structure and awareness. And sometimes, eve