According to the CDC, in the United States, almost 75% of people are considered either overweight or obese. This is a significant public health issue, and the reasons that as a nation we have got this way are wide and varied. Growing up in poverty can mean less money for fresh and healthy produce, and an improper education about nutrition and eating well. Increased working hours means convenience food can often be favoured, and the market of fast food and unhealthy food in general expanding and becoming cheaper and more readily available means many people become addicted to both the taste and how easy it is to get hold of. While there’s more to health than weight, if you’re carrying excess pounds then losing weight will certainly make you more comfortable, give you more energy and extend your life. Here’s how.
Lowering the risk of chronic diseases
Excess weight is associated with a number of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer (including breast, colon, and endometrial cancer). By losing weight, you can reduce your risk of developing these conditions. This is because excess weight causes an increase in insulin resistance, inflammation, and oxidative stress, which are all factors that contribute to the development of chronic diseases. You can read more about how weight affects chronic diseases and more on Dr. Kulka’s health blog. Understanding how these things work and affect the body is important as you can then make informed decisions about your own health.
Improving heart health
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Excess weight puts a strain on the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart disease. Being overweight or obese can lead to high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and an increased risk of blood clots, which can all contribute to heart disease. By losing weight, you can improve your heart health by reducing the risk of these conditions.
Increasing physical mobility and reducing joint pain: Carrying excess weight can put added pressure on joints, especially in the knees, hips, and back, causing pain and discomfort. This can lead to decreased physical activity and a reduced ability to perform daily activities. By losing weight, you can reduce the stress on your joints and improve mobility, allowing you to be more active and pain-free.
Improving sleep
Excess weight and sleep apnea are often linked, with obesity being a major risk factor for this condition. Sleep apnea happens when you repeatedly stop breathing during sleep, leading to fragmented sleep and excessive daytime sleepiness. Excess weight around the neck and overall high body weight can cause this to happen, although it does sometimes affect people of a normal weight too. By losing weight, you can reduce the risk of developing sleep apnea, leading to improved sleep quality, better mood, improved mental health and a reduction in daytime sleepiness.
Boosting energy levels
Being overweight can cause fatigue and decreased energy levels due to the strain placed on the body. You feel more sluggish as there’s physically more of you to carry. By losing weight, you can increase your energy levels, remove excess pressure from your joints and improve your overall vitality, allowing you to be more active and feel more energetic throughout the day.
Weight loss has a positive impact on multiple aspects of health, so educating yourself and starting on a realistic, sustainable plan is one of the best things you can do for yourself.
Read more lifestyle and healthy living articles at ClichéMag.com
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