Weight loss often has a number of beneficial effects on the body, depending on your current level of fitness as well as the method and rate of the weight loss. If you are obese or overweight, healthy and gradual weight loss can reduce the risk of several serious illnesses as well as help to improve your overall social, psychological and emotional well-being.
Weight-loss Basics
Medical professionals often use body mass index, or BMI, to assess if an individual is overweight or obese. According to MayoClinic.com, individuals with a BMI below 18.5 are considered underweight; individuals between 18.5 and 24.9 are considered normal; those between 25 and 29.9 are considered overweight; and those over 30 are considered obese. Weight loss in an individual who is underweight can lead to malnutrition and starvation -- both of which can be fatal. Conversely, weight loss in a person who is overweight or obese can promote a better quality of life.
Health Effects
Healthy weight loss and lifestyle changes promise more than aesthetic benefits. Weight loss from healthy eating and routine exercise helps lower your risk of serious illnesses like heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, skin disorders, stroke and certain cancers. Weight loss can also help improve your quality of life by increasing your mobility and reducing uncomfortable conditions such as heartburn and acid reflux.
Social and Emotional Effects
Being overweight or obese not only significantly affects your physical health, but it largely impacts your psychological and emotional well-being as well. Being overweight or obese can significantly impact your social life as you are more likely to encounter discrimination and thus are more likely to avoid public places. Weight loss can help improve your overall self-image, thus boosting your self-confidence and self-esteem. Furthermore, exercise promotes the release of endorphins, which helps to improve your overall mood and ward off feelings of sadness and depression.
Method of Weight Loss
The effects that weight loss has on the body largely depend on the method in which the weight is lost. Medical professionals recommend that individuals lose no more than an average of 2 lbs. per week to promote sustainable weight loss. Rapid weight loss not only leads to potentially equally rapid weight gain, but it slows the metabolism and can promote unhealthy dieting, which can lead to eating disorders. Healthy weight loss is best achieved by maintaining a balanced diet and engaging in routine physical activity.
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