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Why You Should Lose Weight

May 26, 2011 | By Tricia McMillan

Obesity affects your physical health, but it also affects your mental well-being, can have an impact on your employment status and reduces your overall quality of life. You may feel discouraged at the prospect of beginning a weight loss plan, but you don't have to reach your goal weight to realize the benefits. Every pound you lose moves you closer to an healthier life.

Physical Health

Carrying too much weight puts you at a higher risk of developing diseases like diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, cancer and liver disease, but it can also complicate pregnancy and reduce fertility. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, losing just 5 to 10 percent of your body weight can reduce your risk for these diseases. If you weigh 200 lbs., that could mean losing only 10 lbs. The more weight you lose, the more you decrease your risk.

Mental Health

A 2006 study in the Archives of General Psychiatry found that obesity makes you 25 percent more likely to suffer from depression than someone who is not obese. In all, 28 percent of obese Americans will be diagnosed with depression at some point in their lives. Some of the depression is thought to stem from social stigma, but as of February 2011, research is still underway to determine other causes.

Social Image

Weight discrimination can affect not only your standing among your peers, but also your employment. The University of Hawaii found that employers are less likely to hire an obese person for a variety of reasons. Some feel that an obese worker reflects poorly upon the company, and others see obesity as a sign of laziness and inactivity or a physical barrier to proper job performance. While these reasons are not necessarily based in fact, the cost of providing health insurance to obese employees is greater. Because obesity raises the risk of so many diseases, insurance companies often charge more to cover obese individuals in anticipation of future health problems. An employer may shy away from the expense and refuse to hire an obese person.

Quality of Life

According to a 2002 paper written by Dr. Marsha Marcus, obese people have been found to have a poorer quality of life than non-obese people, regardless of gender, age, race, education or socioeconomic status. Besides the physical, mental and social benefits of losing weight, there are numerous personal benefits. Exercise triggers the release of endorphins which create a feeling of well-being. You'll be stronger, more flexible and less fatigued, and your everyday routine will be easier. Your mood will be brighter and you'll be more alert.

References

Article reviewed by Nicholas Roman Last updated on: May 26, 2011

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