Weight Loss Importance

If you're wondering if losing weight is worth your time or the trouble, the answer is a resounding "yes." According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 68 percent of Americans are battling the bulge, but fad diets that come with promises of weight loss success aren't helping Americans. Being overweight or obese is linked to several health complications---some of which can have long-lasting effects.

Causes

The primary causes of being overweight or obese are consuming more calories than your body can burn off and living a sedentary lifestyle. Environmental and cultural factors exacerbate these causes. For instance, in the United States States, larger portions, not cooking healthy meals and the dependence on cars make the overweight and obesity problem worse, states the Office of Women's Health. In other cases, genetics or a medical problem such as a hormonal imbalance may contribute to weight gain.

Diabetes Prevention

Obesity is the leading cause of type 2 diabetes, which is considered a preventable disease. In 2008, researchers at the University of British Columbia discovered a new link between the two conditions. In their study, which was published in the journal "Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences," the research team explained that high blood fat levels destroy the cells in the pancreas that destroy insulin. Losing just 5 to 7 percent of your weight and working out for 30 minutes five days a week can lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, states the Weight-loss Information Network, or WIN.

Metabolic Syndrome Prevention and Treatment

Another medical condition closely linked with being obese is metabolic syndrome. The Weight-loss Information Network defines this condition as having three or more of these risk factors: high blood pressure, high tasking blood glucose levels, high triglyceride levels, a large waistline and low levels of good cholesterol. If you have abdominal obesity, you have a greater risk of developing metabolic syndrome. Losing weight is important in preventing metabolic syndrome, or, if you already have it, weight loss can reduce complications associated with it such as heart disease and diabetes, states WIN.

Other Effects

Losing weight can also protect you from other physical problems such as sleep apnea, osteoarthritis or fatty liver disease. But the effects of losing weight also extend to your emotional and social health. It can help to improve your self esteem and body image, and reduce your risk of depression. Children who are obese are also targets for bullying, so weight loss can protect them from being bullied.

Losing Weight -- Getting Started

Set a goal to lose about 5 percent of your weight, for starters. Ideally, you should lose up to 2 or 3 pounds each week. If you haven't been exercising for a while, go for a checkup to make sure you're healthy enough to start. Ask your doctor about simple exercises you can do to jump-start weight loss---walking is usually a good one---and about making healthy food choices that suit your taste and lifestyle.