GERD is a digestive disease in which stomach acid or bile irritates the food pipe lining.

This is a chronic disease that occurs when stomach acid or bile flows into the food pipe and irritates the lining. Acid reflux and heartburn more than twice a week may indicate GERD.

Struggling to lose weight? Maybe posting that selfie on social media can help, researchers say.

Their study included 33 people in two weight-loss groups -- surgical and nonsurgical -- who regularly blogged or posted online about their weight-loss experiences and were followed for four years.

Sharing their successes and setbacks on social media helped the participants stay committed to setting and achieving their weight-loss goals, according to the study results.

"The sharing of intimate information and photos about weight-loss goals in virtual space is a key factor in motivating behaviors that fulfill that new thinner identity and thus helps people reach their goals," said study co-author Sonya Grier, a professor of marketing at American University in Washington, D.C.

She said this approach allows for relative anonymity, accessibility, availability and flexibility for people to create a community that can help keep them motivated and accountable.

"Not everyone can get the support they need from the people they interact with in person on a daily basis," Grier said in a university news release. "It is helpful that technology can support community building and goal achievement in virtual spaces."

“Although I agree using tools to your advantage is a good thing. However given the state of Social Media bullying, oversensitivity, lack of ability to express opinion without extreme criticism, and general intolerance demonstrated on Facebook every day, I am not so sure posting your weight and your weight loss goals is such a great idea in every case. Be careful when you put pictures on social media,” said Dr. Ronald Klatz, President of the A4M.

Holiday celebrations and weight gain go hand-in-hand.

However, dietitians and exercise experts agree – there are sound strategies you can use to help prevent weight gain before a large, festive meal. According to “Women’s Health” magazine, these seven tips will help you avoid packing on the pounds this season.

1. Don’t starve yourself.

Starving yourself slows metabolism. Stuffing yourself excessively causes your body to store extra calories as fat. To gain one pound, 3,500 calories must be consumed beyond your normal caloric intake. Avoid fat storage and activate metabolism by eating normally before the big meal.
 

2.Drink a glass of water.

Drinking six 8-ounce glasses of water daily is the golden rule. Save one or two of those glasses to drink before the meal. This will help you feel full and possibly reduce how much you eat.

3. Brush your teeth and breath deeply.

The ingredients in peppermint are known to suppress appetite. Whether sipping, sniffing or brushing, the scent of peppermint can be a natural antidote to craving extra helpings.

4. Plan ahead.

When you fail to plan, you can plan to fail. Planning your meal ahead of time will help you be in control of what you eat. Decide what you “must have” and adjust your consumption around that. Perhaps a special dessert, your favorite appetizer or sparkling cocktail are your splurge items. Don’t deprive yourself. Rather, indulge, and the feeling may help keep you on track for the big meal.

5. Eat an apple.

Fiber is known to boost weight loss. By eating an apple 15 minutes before a big meal, it’s possible you may reduce your meal calories by approximately 15 percent. Apples are packed with fiber.

6. Hit the gym.

Get physical. Take a run. Visit the gym. Doing this the day of the large meal can reduce your appetite by suppressing the hunger hormone, according to Women’s Health. The more intense the workout, the greater the hormone suppression.

7. Sleep tight.

Getting sufficient sleep can influence your food choices. Too little sleep can cause an increase in your desire for unhealthy foods. Sleeping a full seven to eight hours nightly is recommended to steer your cravings away from junk food.

“Accountability is key to avoiding holiday weight gain.  Partner up with someone who also wants to avoid putting on extra pounds.  Then, check in with each other frequently and encourage one another along the way,” says Lee Ann Strunk, nutrition specialist at the Advocate Condell Medical Center Centre Club in Libertyville, Ill.