Be an odds-on favorite for a long and healthy life by keeping your weight in check.

Being overweight increases your risk of needless aging as well as conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and gout. Research shows that the 30-year risk of becoming overweight is 50 percent for both men and women. Beat the odds by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and following your RealAge Plan.

When it comes to the short-term risk of becoming overweight or obese, women fare slightly better than men. In a recent study of over 4,200 men and women who had normal body mass indexes at the beginning of the study, the 4-year risk of becoming overweight was 14-19 percent in women and 26-30 percent in men. The 4-year risk of developing obesity ranged from 5-7 percent in women and 7-9 percent in men. The long-term risk of becoming overweight or obese was similar between the two sexes. About 25 percent of the men became obese over 30 years and about 33 percent of the women did. Avoid becoming a statistic by eating right, exercising, and modifying your lifestyle when you notice your weight creeping up.