Obesity is a full-blown epidemic not only in the United States but also in several countries around the world. Even those living in low- and middle-income countries are experiencing the effects of excess weight and obesity. These conditions put you at risk for a number of significant medical problems, particularly debilitating chronic diseases. If you're struggling to lose weight, it may help you to shift your focus from what you're losing to what you will gain by dropping excess pounds.
Energy
Carrying around extra weight takes its toll on your energy level in several ways. Your body has to work harder to support you since unhealthy eating can make you feel sluggish. Being overweight also puts you at risk for sleep apnea, which will keep you from getting restful sleep. Losing weight, however, can do wonders for increasing energy. Your heart doesn't have to work as hard to support you. Eating nutritious food will also increase your energy level while staying active promotes better sleep.
Muscle Mass
A key component of losing weight -- and keeping it off -- is exercising regularly. Doing so not only is good for your waistline but also your muscle mass. Muscle mass tends to decrease with age, which results in a body composition that is more fat than fit. By losing weight and exercising, you'll increase muscle mass. Muscle burns calories more efficiently than fat, so gaining muscle will help support weight loss maintenance.
Independence
Excess weight has a detrimental effect on your ability to get around unassisted especially as you get older. The lack of physical activity makes your muscles weak, and the extra weight contributes to debilitating conditions including osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. Reaching a healthy weight takes away the strain on your bones and joints, leading to increased mobility. Increasing your ability to get around without assistance is particularly important as you reach your senior years.
Life Expectancy
Perhaps the most disturbing fact about obesity is its potential effect on life expectancy. A 2005 report from the Harvard Gazette reveals that being obese can cut four to nine months from your life expectancy. In addition, US life expectancy could decline by as much as five years if the childhood obesity epidemic continues. Losing weight increases your life expectancy because it reduces your risk of developing some of the leading causes of death including heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes.
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