Your weight isn’t the be-all and end-all of health. In fact, weight is merely one measure when it comes to assessing health. Nonetheless, there are multiple physical and mental health benefits that can occur as a result of weight loss.
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Mood and Energy Levels
Research has found those in the healthy weight range who have a balanced diet and exercise regularly report higher levels of happiness and fulfillment than those who are overweight.
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Better Heart Health
Carrying excess weight increases the risk of a series of chronic diseases including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. If you are overweight, losing weight can help to reduce blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels, thereby reducing your risk of heart disease and stroke.
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Relieves Aches and Pains
Added pressure is placed on joints, muscles and bones when an individual carries extra weight. This can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful, especially when it comes to being active. It can restrict movement and lead to a loss of physical and mental health benefits associated with an active lifestyle. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the stress placed on joints and bones and can help relieve some of these aches and pains.
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Improved Sleep
Studies have shown that losing weight, particularly abdominal fat, can improve quality of sleep due to more efficient breathing and lung function. Sleep apnoea is a commonly reported problem in individuals who are overweight, and losing weight can help to relieve these symptoms. Furthermore, managing sleep apnoea also helps to reduce risk of cardiovascular issues.
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Fewer Sick Days
Eating a balanced diet high in fibre, vitamins and minerals and low in saturated fat and added sugar improves your body’s ability to fight infection. Healthy eating can help keep your weight in-check and prevent the loss of valuable time and money at work.
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Improved Fertility
For women who are overweight and trying to conceive, weight loss may improve your chances. Weight impacts menstruation and ovulation in women, and can affect sperm quality and fertility in men.
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Longer Life Expectancy
Research demonstrates that life expectancy for individuals in the obese weight range can be 5-7 years less than those who are in a healthy weight range. So not only can weight loss benefit your acute health, but weight management may just bring you additional years of life.
References
- Dixon JB, O’Brien PE, Schachter LM. Polysomnography before and after weight loss in obese patients with severe sleep apnea. Int J Obesity. 2005 Apr;29:1048-1054.
- Pasanisi F, Simone G. Benefits of sustained moderate weight loss in obesity. Nutrition Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases. 2002 Jan;11(6);401-406.
- Rueda-Clausen CF, Ogunleye AA, Sharma AM. Health Benefits of Long-Term Weight-Loss Maintenance. Annual Review of Nutrition. 2015 May;35:475-516.
- Pasanisi F, Simone G. Benefits of sustained moderate weight loss in obesity. Nutrition Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases. 2002 Jan;11(6);401-406.
- Tapper K, Shaw C, Ilsley J, Hill AJ, Bond FW, Moore L. Exploratory randomised controlled trial of a mindfulness-based weight loss intervention for women. Appetite. 2009 April;52(2):396-404.
- Wing RR, Lang W, Wadden TA, Safford M, Knowler WC, Bertoni AG, et al. Benefits of Modest Weight Loss in Improving Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Overweight and Obese Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2011 Jul;34(7):1481-1486.
