What Benefits Are There When You Lose Weight?

If you are carrying extra pounds, losing weight can positively affect you physically, mentally and economically. You may already be showing signs of related illness, such as joint pain, shortness of breath and lack of physical energy. Overweight individuals may become depressed or suffer anxiety about the long-term health risks of weight stress.
Lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle in order to prevent debilitating disease, costly medical expense and an early death. The U.S. Surgeon General's office states that even moderate weight loss (5 to 10 percent of body mass) reduces your risk for heart disease and other serious chronic conditions. To improve the quality and length of your life, get started now.

Increase Energy

You may not notice your energy level dropping as your body mass increases, until it hits bottom. Even though you feel tired, you may not be sleeping well. When weight increases, so does your nutrient intake of fat and cholesterol, which can slow you down.
When you lose weight, you alter your nutrient intake and your eating habits. A healthy lifestyle---including snacking less often---can improve your digestion to help you sleep better. With weight loss, your physical sleep position will change, making you more comfortable and less prone to sleep apnea and snoring. Better sleep patterns and nutrition, along with the physical ability to exercise more, can increase your energy level and improve your mental state.

Decrease Pain

If you are overweight or obese, you are more likely to suffer from knee and lower back pain. Doctors suggest weight loss as part of the treatment for osteoarthritis, a chronic deterioration of the joints and spine.
Even with a healthy lifestyle, your joints will degenerate with age. Remove excess stress from them by losing weight. Arthritis pain is also the result of inactivity of the painful joint. You'll be able to better exercise the area when you lose weight and your energy increases.

Prevent Disease

The biggest benefits of losing weight come with the falling risks for life-threatening diseases. The American Heart Association states that moderate weight loss may reduce high blood pressure and cholesterol, two conditions that can lead to heart attack and stroke.
If you lose weight, you'll reduce your chances of contracting coronary heart disease and some types of cancer. The positive effects on blood sugar and cholesterol levels help individuals with diabetes mellitus manage the disease, and prevent it in those who maintain a healthy lifestyle.

References

Article reviewed by Jenna Marie Last updated on: Nov 6, 2009

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