According to the World Health Organization, there are more than 1.9 billion adults around the world who are overweight and 13% of the global population is considered obese. Obesity has become one of the leading causes of preventable death in the United States and millions of people are at risk of developing life-threatening diseases as a result. While the figures may be shocking, the good thing is that it is possible to lose weight, reduce the associated health risks, and begin feeling your best.
Losing weight can be a life-changing experience due to the negative physical and mental health aspects of being overweight. Luckily, for many people, a combination of healthy eating habits and regular physical activity can help them begin to shed some pounds and take the first steps towards having a healthier future. This doesn’t mean that you need to bounce from diet to diet to try to lose weight. Instead, it means changing your lifestyle to incorporate more physical activity and replacing high-calorie “junk food” with fruit, vegetables, and whole grains.
The benefits of losing weight
According to the CDC, losing 5 to 10% of your total body weight is likely to result in health benefits like a decrease in blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar. This could lead to a decrease in the overall risk of chronic diseases related to obesity.
Weight loss can have positive benefits well beyond what you see in a routine doctor’s check-up. According to a recent National Weight Control Registry study, participants who lost a significant amount of weight experienced improvements in their overall physical and mental health.
Increased energy
When you lose weight, your body uses less energy to keep you moving. It also becomes more oxygen efficient. As a result, you are likely to feel more energetic and be able to accomplish more each day.
Better mobility
Carrying excess weight is very detrimental to your body. Not only does it exacerbate the daily wear and tear on your knees and other load-bearing joints but it can also cause long-term damage that will begin to impact your mobility levels as you age. By losing weight, you can enjoy increased levels of mobility which, in turn, will allow you to increase your overall fitness levels.
Reduced pain levels
Losing weight can also have a big impact on people who suffer from chronic pain. According to a study published by the Journal of Pain, a decrease in 10% of body weight can cause a significant reduction in pain levels in load-bearing joints, the abdomen, jaw, and chest.
Mental health
Being overweight can have a major impact on the overall mental health of an individual. From feelings of insecurity to a lack of self-confidence, this can begin to take a major toll on your quality of life. After losing weight, many people experience an increase in their confidence levels and find themselves in a much better “mood” overall.
Getting started….
Before you begin, it is important to keep in mind that weight loss is journey and there are going to be ups and downs. Focus on the trend over time rather than just the daily weight on the scale because many factors can temporarily influence your weight. And remember that the scale is not the only measure of success. Non-scale victories such as your energy levels, how clothes are fit, etc. are also great markers to be mindful of.
Here at Transition Medical Weight Loss, we provide the support and guidance that you need to begin your weight loss journey including everything from healthy foods to a custom fitness plan. Give us a call today to get your free body composition analysis and get on the road to a healthier lifestyle.
