It is a proven fact that there are both physical and mental benefits to be gained when you lose
weight. It is a difficult job, but the overall improvement you can expect, in all areas of your
life, must not be underestimated.
Check out below the ways in which losing those inches can improve your health:
Being overweight makes you much more likely to suffer from high blood pressure, strokes or heart
disease.
These alone make up three very good reasons to get that excess weight off. It has been shown by
research from across the USA and the UK, that the most prevalent cause of high blood pressure, heart
disease and strokes are caused by problems directly associated with obesity. Being overweight can
mean that the level of fat being carried around your body in your blood can be massively increased.
The fat gets deposited and can cause clogging of the major arteries of the body, including the heart
and brain. This in turn can bring on heart attacks and strokes.
It may be a shock to learn that the number one factor in sudden death from heart attack or stroke is
obesity.
It is a fact that you can decrease the chances of you having or developing heart disease or a stroke
simply by decreasing your weight by a mere five to ten percent. As a bonus, your heart function
would also improve, as would your blood pressure. Your cholesterol and triglyceride count would
decrease, possibly lengthening your life-span by YEARS.
You don't want diabetes? Lose that weight!
Diabetes is a very common illness nowadays, but nevertheless, it a serious one that can put your
life in jeopardy. The way that you lead your life can become hugely affected because the
complications that result from having it are numerous and far reaching and can cause problems
throughout your entire body. Both types of diabetes (type 1 and type 2) are linked with being
overweight.
Losing weight and getting some regular exercise can help you if you already suffer with diabetes.
Increasing your fitness can help keep your blood sugar levels steady, but do discuss any new fitness
or diet regime with your primary healthcare provider.
Try a daily walk or jog which will get your cardio-vascular system working. That will exercise your
heart and lungs as well as burn off calories to lose some excess weight.
Lose weight to lower your risk of getting cancer.
Being overweight is linked with various kinds of cancer, particularly for women. The most common
types of cancers that are associated with being overweight include cancer of the uterus, ovary,
breast, colon and gallbladder. This is not meant to scare you, but this information is a medically
proven fact and, as such, should not be taken lightly.
Men are also at risk from developing cancer if they are overweight. These cancers include cancer of
the colon, prostate and rectum.
Improve sleep apnoea by losing weight.
This can be a frightening condition, especially for your partner. If you are overweight, and
generally lying on your back to sleep, your excess weight causes your windpipe to close up which
means that you stop breathing for a few moments. This doesn't last for too long but, do take notice
here, this can eventually lead to heart failure.
Reduce your weight, reduce your pain from osteoarthritis.
When carrying extra weight, the strain on your joints can be multiplied by two or three times. These
joints, particularly the knees, hips and lower back, need to carry you around for many years, so it
is vitally important to look after them as much as possible. Although osteoarthritis is a painful
disease, weight loss can make you much more comfortable in terms of pain, and can keep you more
mobile for many years to come.
Before you read this article, I am certain that you knew already that it is not easy to lose weight.
Hopefully you now have the information that shows just how important it is, both in terms of quality
of life and quantity of life to get that excess weight off, and enjoy life, whatever your age.
