Weight loss can occur through a variety of factors, including increasing exercise and decreasing the amount of food you eat. Both of these approaches allow the body's systems to function more efficiently, which often means you will feel more energy during and after losing weight. Although this is not always the case, especially when it comes to extreme weight loss, most healthy approaches to losing weight will help you feel better and more energetic.
Increased Metabolism
Increasing your metabolism causes weight loss, which in turn provides an uptick in energy levels. Metabolism is increased through several means, including eating the right combination of fat, protein and carbohydrates for your body's needs, exercising more often and building muscle, according to "Weight Watchers Weight Loss That Lasts" by James M. Rippe. Your metabolism not only oversees energy production in the body but also calibrates how energetic you feel on the outside, and weight loss is directly connected to metabolism.
Better Digestion
Often, part of losing weight means eating less food. Consuming less food gives your digestive system a break, requiring less energy for the digestion process. You may feel lighter and more energetic as you lose weight partly because your body is not working so hard to convert food into usable nutrients and waste. Also, according to Harley Pasternak in his book, "The 5-Factor Diet," eating less food throughout the day means less insulin is released to move carbohydrate and sugar-rich foods out of the bloodstream. This allows for steadier blood sugar levels and increased energy.
Better Sleep
Another way that weight loss can help with increasing energy is through getting more sleep. In her book, "Beyond Atkins: The Hormone Diet, the Only Sound Weight Loss Solution," Debi Davis says that weight loss through appropriate behaviors and eating habits allows your body to work more efficiently, including getting better sleep. In turn, better sleep means more energy and focus when you are awake. Getting good quality sleep is also important for proper brain and mood function.
Water Weight
Losing too much weight too quickly may cause you to have less energy. This is due to the fact that extreme weight loss -- more than 2 lbs. a week -- is usually water weight loss instead of fat loss, according to Lyle McDonald in his book, "The Rapid Fat Loss Handbook: A Scientific Approach to Crash Dieting." Losing too much water can affect sodium and potassium levels, which play an important role in maintaining energy levels. Most experts recommend a steady weight loss regimen of 1 to 2 lbs. a week, which should have a positive impact on energy.
References
- "Weight Watchers Weight Loss That Lasts"; James M. Rippe; 2005
- "The 5-Factor Diet"; Harley Pasternak; 2009
- "Beyond Atkins: The Hormone Diet, the Only Sound Weight Loss Solution"; Debi Davis; 2004
- "The Rapid Fat Loss Handbook: A Scientific Approach to Crash Dieting"; Lyle McDonald; 2005
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