Health Benefits of Weight Loss

September 22, 2013 admin Motivation

Many folks decide to lose weight so they can look and feel better, and gain confident in their appearance. Very few people feel that they look their best when they are overweight, and in general people who are fit tend to be thought of as being more attractive.

Losing weight helps people look better on the outside, but it also improves their health on the inside. Overweight or obese individuals are more at risk for a variety of health conditions including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and other serious ailments. Fitness enthusiasts are sometimes thought of as vain, but the truth is leading a fit, healthy lifestyle is a great way to protect your body from disease and lead a longer, happier life.

Below I have listed just a few of the health benefits that come with losing weight:

Increased Energy Levels

We all wish we had more energy and losing weight can give it to us. Fit individuals report feeling more energetic throughout the day, and are less likely to fall into the afternoon slump. Regular exercise and proper nutrition have both been shown to increase energy and facilitate weight loss.

Lower Blood Pressure

Fit individuals are much less likely to suffer from hypertension than those who are overweight. Since high blood pressure is linked to more serious issues like heart disease and stroke, managing your blood pressure is crucial for long term health.

Prevents Type II Diabetes

Carrying excess weight and the poor eating habits that lead to it both increase an individual’s risk of getting Type II Diabetes. By eating a healthy diet low in sugar and exercising regularly you can significantly reduce your risk for this deadly disease.

Reduces Aches and Pains

It may seem counter intuitive, but nothing is harder on your body than being sedentary. As the old saying goes “use it or lose it”. Regular exercise will improve joint health and mobility, and lower body weight will reduce the strain being put on your joints from everyday activities.

Lowers Cholesterol Levels

High cholesterol, specifically LDL cholesterol, increases one’s risk of heart disease. Poor diet and lack of exercise have both been shown to increase LDL cholesterol, so as you might expect, sticking to proper nutrition habits and exercising regularly can reduce LDL and lower your risk for heart disease and related conditions.

Improves Cardiovascular Health

If you want to have a healthy body you must have healthy lungs and a healthy heart. Regular exercise, in addition to helping individuals maintain an ideal weight, also improves heart and lung health. You will have more stamina and endurance, and be able to breathe more easily under stressful conditions.

The Big Picture

Individuals who take their health seriously and want to live long, happy lives will make a concerted effort to lose weight and stay fit not just for how it will make them look, but for what it will do for their overall health and well being. You may have to make some immediate sacrifices, but the payoff over time will be well worth it.

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