Weight loss is a major concern for a number of people suffering from obesity which has become a life threatening epidemic. More and more people are looking for ways by means of which they can shed those extra ounces of fat from the body. Obesity is the accumulation of fats in the body making you look out of shape and overweight. It is also a risk factor for various other ailments such as adult onset (type II) diabetes, coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, insomnia, depression, sleep apnea etc. Overweight people also tend to suffer from low self esteem, low confidence and mental tension on account of the humiliation and social stigma attached with being fat. There are various
benefits of losing weight which revolve around improving your overall health.
Losing just 10% of your body weight can make a difference to the way you feel about yourself and boost your self esteem. The most important
benefit of losing weight is that you develop a positive outlook towards life and automatically inculcate the feel good factor. Weight loss results in increased energy level of the body, lowers the cholesterol levels, improves agility, improves your breathing, reduces the risk of heart attack or stroke, reduces aches and pains, improves the levels of blood sugar, prevents type II diabetes, prevents angina, reduces blood pressure and increases your mobility.
There is a powerful relationship between weight loss and your personal commitment in adhering to any weight reduction regime. Before enrolling in any weight loss program you must consult a registered medical practitioner in order to determine how much weight you need to shed. It is essential for you to undertake a full physical examination before following any diet or exercise plan for weight reduction. This will also alert you on any health problems you might be prone to.
Benefits of weight loss:
Prevents heart disease and stroke:
They are the leading causes of death and disability for both men and women in the United States. These twin killers are more likely to affect overweight people and losing weight can tremendously help cut down on the risk of both diseases.
High Blood Pressure: This is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, heart attacks, heart failure and arterial aneurysm and a leading factor for chronic renal failure. High levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides can lead to the development of various diseases in the body. It reduces life expectancy and is likely to affect overweight people.
Angina: Being overweight is one of the underlying factors for angina. It is chest pain or discomfort that occurs when an area of the heart muscle is deprived of enough oxygen rich blood. It is characterized by a pressure or squeezing in the chest. It is a major symptom of an underlying heart problem such as coronary heart disease. This occurs when fat accumulates on the inner walls of the coronary arteries and blocks the passage of blood to the heart. This condition is known as arthrosclerosis.
Sudden death from heart disease or stroke can occur without any signs or symptoms. By reducing 5 to 10 per cent of body weight you can reduce the chances of developing these diseases. You can normalize your heart function, cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
Prevents Type II diabetes: Obesity is one of the risk factors for type II diabetes. An excess of body fat, particularly when concentrated around the abdomen can diminish both quality of life and expectancy. Overweight results in adverse effects on insulin resistance. Type II diabetes, confined to older adults now affects obese children as well. Weight reduction reduces blood pressure, abnormal blood sugar and lowers the risk of type II diabetes. It may also reduce the amount of medications taken by you on a daily basis.
Losing weight prevents certain Cancers: Obesity is a risk factor for various cancers such as breast, colon, endometrial, esophageal, kidney and prostrate cancer. According to the American Center for Disease and Control, more than 61 % Americans are overweight and are at a risk of associated disorders. Losing weight can help you get in shape and reduce the risk of developing these diseases.
Weight Loss improves Sleep Apnea: This condition is associated with being overweight to a great extent. It causes you to stop breathing for short periods of time and to snore heavily. Sleep apnea can make you sleepy in the daytime and result in heart failure. Losing weight helps reduce or eliminate this problem.
Weight Loss reduces Osteoarthritis: This is a condition that is likely to affect the hips, lower back and joints. Weight gain leads to increased pressure on the joints leading to the development of a painful situation. Weight reduction decreases pain and helps you become more active.