No matter what your reasons are for wanting to lose weight, there’s one thing we can all agree on—losing weight can be good for your health. From improving the overall function of your body and easing joint pain to lowering blood pressure and reducing cholesterol, you’ll find plenty of benefits when you shed excess pounds. These top 10 reasons to lose weight will help you see why now is the time to lose weight.
1) Obesity Increases your Risk of Heart Disease
Losing weight can help you lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, both of which are risk factors for heart disease. In fact, studies have shown that even a small weight loss (5-10% of your body weight) can reduce your risk of developing heart disease.
2) Obesity Affects your overall Wellbeing
Obesity has a far-reaching effect on your overall health. It increases your risk of developing serious health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer. Losing weight can help reduce your risk of developing these conditions and improve your overall health.
3) Fatty Liver Disease Increases with BMI
Losing weight can help reduce the risk of developing fatty liver disease, a condition in which fat builds up in the liver and can lead to inflammation. The severity of the disease increases as BMI increases. In fact, research has shown that people with a BMI over 30 are five times more likely to develop the disease than those with a BMI under 25.
4) Diseases such as Diabetes Increase with Obesity
Obesity is a medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that it may have a negative effect on health, leading to reduced life expectancy and/or increased health problems. Obesity increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer. Losing weight can help reduce these risks.
5) People who are Overweight don’t Sleep as well
Losing weight can help you sleep better. People who are overweight often have trouble sleeping, which can lead to a host of other health problems. Losing weight can help you get the rest you need to be healthy and function at your best.
6) Losing Weight Makes you Look Younger
One of the most noticeable effects of weight loss is how much younger you look. This is because carrying around extra weight can take a toll on your skin, hair, and nails. When you lose weight, you’ll notice your skin becomes more elastic and glows more. Your hair will be shinier and healthier, and your nails will be stronger.
7) Helping you Avoid Certain Cancers
Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing cancers of the uterus, cervix, ovaries, endometrium, gallbladder, kidney, pancreas, and colon. Losing weight can help you avoid these cancers.
When you lose weight, cancer cells have less blood and oxygen. Less blood and oxygen can impair their growth. Losing weight can also reduce your levels of estrogen, which helps block cell growth in certain cancers. And it’s thought that adipose tissue (fat) produces compounds that may contribute to cancer development. In one study, researchers found more ovarian cancer tumors in mice with higher body fat than those with lower body fat.
8) Improves Your Skin Health
One of the many benefits of weight loss is an improvement in your skin health. When you lose weight, your skin stretches and becomes more elastic. This can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Studies have shown that people who are overweight are at a higher risk of developing problems with their skin such as eczema, rosacea and acne. Losing weight also has a positive effect on the production of sebum (oil) which may help improve conditions like acne or oily skin.
9) Lowers the Risk of Hip Fractures in Women
Losing weight can help lower the risk of hip fractures in women. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, obesity is a risk factor for osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become weak and brittle. Losing weight can help reduce the amount of pressure on your bones and improve your overall bone health.
10) Gives you Better Energy Levels
When you’re carrying around extra weight, it takes more energy to move. That means you’re probably feeling tired a lot of the time. Losing weight can give you a boost in energy because you won’t be lugging around as much weight. You may also find that you sleep better when you lose weight.