Why Losing Weight is So Important For Your Health
Description: Losing weight is about more than just looking good and fitting into old jeans. Here are five things you should know about your weight loss journey.
Chances are you or someone you know has battled their body in a fight to lose excess weight. But losing weight isn’t just about appearances.
Do you know why losing weight is so important for longevity and health? Do you know what happens to the body when you lose weight and how that impacts overall wellness?
Understanding the why of weight loss is an important part of staying committed to your goals. And it has to be about more than just fitting into your old pair of pants (although that feels great too).
Here are five things you should know about losing weight that can help you stay committed and focused on the bigger picture.
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#1 – Your Joints Will Be Happy
Excess pounds lead to excess stress on your joints, pure and simple. Every joint, from your hips to your knees and ankles, struggles under the weight of an unnatural load. Cartilage wears down faster, ligaments are more easily stretched and torn, and tendons quickly become painfully inflamed. This type of damage leads to reduced mobility and can trigger arthritis at an early age.
By losing weight, you will be taking a major burden off of your joints. They will be able to perform better for you and help you get through your days without as much pain.
#2 – Your Pancreas Will Thank You
Overweight individuals have higher levels of body fat, and that fat makes it harder for the pancreas to produce enough insulin to regulate the body’s blood sugar levels. This is why so many overweight people are eventually diagnosed with diabetes. And once diabetes sets in, it can totally change your day-to-day lifestyle.
Losing weight (and fat) means the pancreas doesn’t need to work as hard to produce insulin, and the body becomes more efficient at maintaining a healthy blood sugar level. By working hard towards your weight loss goals, you are protecting yourself from chronic diseases.
#3 – Your Blood Pressure Will Drop and Your Heart Will Smile
Extra weight means the cardiovascular system has to work harder to cycle blood throughout the body. Bigger people have more blood, more capillaries, and a greater need for oxygen than those living at a healthy weight. High blood pressure (known as hypertension) can lead to very serious consequences like stroke, heart disease due to poor blood flow, and clogged arteries.
Shedding a few unwanted pounds makes the cardiovascular system more efficient, lowers the amount of LDL cholesterol in the blood, and takes pressure off of artery walls which makes the heart very, very happy.
#4 – Your Sleep Will Improve
Bigger people usually struggle more with sleep. That’s not only because they’re more likely to suffer from sleep apnea (a condition where excess tissues in the throat and mouth block the upper airway during sleep, reducing or completely stopping airflow). But people who are overweight also carry more flesh (fat, skin, and muscle) around their neck and throat, which leads to snoring, and snoring disrupts sleep.
As weight is lost, snoring becomes less of a problem and it becomes easier to sleep deeply through the night.
#5 – Your Will Boost Your Mood and Your Energy
When people lose weight, they look healthier, feel healthier, and become more comfortable in their own skin. They produce more endorphins (the feel-good hormone), which increases overall motivation and general interest in being active.
And remember what we said about sleep? Well, when sleep improves, energy improves. And when energy improves it’s easier to engage in activities—exercise, social groups, volunteering, etc.—that encourage the release of even more endorphins into the body. It’s a wonderful self-fulfilling cycle.
Your weight loss journey is about more than just cosmetic looks or fitting into an old pair of pants. Staying committed will improve your overall health. If you need help getting started or staying the course, reach out to us at 248-413-5835
In health,
Shana Loggins