Maybe you’re getting married soon and want to look great on your wedding day. Or perhaps you can finally afford to book that dream vacation to a tropical paradise and want to rock that swimsuit you’ve been eyeing online. Or it could be that you’ve ultimately decided that you are no longer happy being overweight and are determined to do something about it. Whatever your reasons for wanting to lose weight, having a good idea of the benefits of effective weight loss will to keep you motivated.
Health Benefits
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), even a modest weight loss of about 5 to 10 percent of your body weight results in a variety of health benefits. Some of the health benefits of losing weight include:
Manage Diabetes
If you have diabetes, losing weight can treat and even resolve Type 2 diabetes in some cases. Diabetes can also be prevented by losing weight, if you don’t have it.
Reduce Risk for Heart Disease
High cholesterol levels can result in the build-up of plaque in arteries and veins, while hypertension or high blood pressure negatively affects a person’s heart and vascular system. Weight loss can help lower cholesterol levels and high blood pressure, thus reducing the risk for heart disease.
Stop Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Excessive weight is a contributor, or worsens the symptoms, of Gastroesophageal Disease (GERD). This is a digestive disorder in which acid from the stomach goes back up into the esophagus. The stomach experiences pressure when there is excess fat around it, contributing to GERD. Many overweight people find relief from GERD when they lose the excess weight.
Improved Breathing
Weight loss leads to improved breathing, whether awake or asleep. Studies conducted by French researchers concluded that excess stomach fat may lead to respiratory and breathing problems. This is because belly fat pushes on the diaphragm and chest wall, making it difficult to fill the lungs with air. Sleep apnea symptoms also dramatically decrease and, in some cases, can disappear altogether, with weight loss.
Lifestyle Benefits
The health benefits of weight loss alone should be enough of motivation to shed excess pounds. However, there are other, often overlooked benefits to losing weight.
Confidence Boost
Losing weight is no easy feat. It requires dedication and hard work, whether it takes a few weeks or months or even years to reach your goal weight. For many people who have successfully lost the unwanted weight, a surprising yet welcome side effect is a boost in self-confidence, knowing that they stuck to their goals and overcame the odds.
Improved Body Image
It’s no surprise that losing weight contributes to improved body image. Being able to fit in clothes a size or two (or more!) smaller and appreciating the way your reflection looks in the mirror is a welcome change for many.
Increased Energy
When you shed excess weight, your body will need less energy to move around. For instance, you’ll find it is easier to climb up or down stairs without getting as winded than when you were overweight. Moreover, if you’ve paired proper nutrition with exercise for weight loss, such as cardio and/or weight resistance training, then you will also have more strength and stamina.
Enjoy Weight Loss Benefits
So, if you’ve decided that you want to lose weight and start taking better care of your health and living your best life, now’s the best time to act. Book an appointment with us ((hyperlink to a contact us page) and we’ll help you get started on your weight loss journey!