Weight Loss Health Benefits

Health Benefits of Weight Loss

Excess weight can increase the risk of many health problems such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer. It reduces the proper functioning of the body. Those who are overweight tend to have hypertension which increases the risk of stroke and heart disease. The cholesterol levels are also high and this poses a risk for many heart conditions. As a result of being overweight, the supply of oxygen to the heart may be reduced, thereby resulting in angina. Obesity can also result in sudden death due to heart attack or stroke, even without any preceding symptoms. Even a 5 to 10% reduction in weight can lower one’s risk of developing heart problems. Also, blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels are regulated and heart functioning is enhanced.

Type 2 diabetes is more likely to occur in individuals who are overweight. Losing weight through control of dietary habits and proper exercise will help to prevent this disease from developing. For those who are already affected by this condition, losing weight will help to keep the diabetes in check by controlling blood sugar levels. Cancers of the breasts, gall bladder, uterus, cervix, ovaries and colon are more likely to occur when an individual is overweight. Men who are overweight are likely to develop cancer of the prostate, colon or rectum. Reducing excess weight will provide protecting against these cancers. Sleep apnea is a condition that is usually associated with overweight individuals. This can be serious condition in which one stops breathing for brief periods of time during sleep. Loss of weight can reduce the risk of developing sleep apnea. Osteoarthritis is a condition that affects the joints of the body, especially of the hips, lower back and knees. Excess body weight increases the pressure on the joints and aggravates the condition considerably. Losing weight will help to ease the symptoms of this condition.

Overweight individuals are also more likely to develop gout which results from increased uric acid levels in the body. Conditions of the gall bladder and gall bladder stones are also more common in overweight people. However, weight loss that occurs very rapidly is known to also increase the risk of these conditions. It is wiser to shed a few pound every week and work to maintain that loss of weight in the long term. Weight loss is something that takes time and persistence. Balanced diet, proper exercise and intake of plenty of water is the best way to shed those extra pounds.