6 Proven Benefits of Weight Loss

6 Proven Benefits of Weight Loss

Worldwide, the prevalence of obesity and overweight has been a steady increase in recent decades. Arguably, this ugly trend is largely due to sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy eating habits that many of us now are delivered. Fast foods are rapidly replacing our fresh, nutrient-rich natural diet, while the advent of computers / internet and cars courtesy of modern technology we would sit all day with little or no space for exercise. However, it is noteworthy that obesity and overweight pose significant risks to our health, since they are associated with a myriad of conditions of life-threatening diseases such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, cancer and coronary artery disease only mention some. Moreover, recent estimates show that about 250 million people worldwide are obese, while more than 500 million people are probably overweight. According to the American Journal of Public Health, about 27% of deaths among women overweight or obese are associated with obesity. In contrast, the benefits of healthy weight loss can not be overstated. A modest weight loss of 10.5% was associated with a significant reduction in the whole risk profile of obesity.

In view of the above, here are some of the potential benefits to be derived from burning some fat and keep it off:

Decreased risk of cardiovascular problems

Fortunately, a modest weight loss of 5-10% has been positively correlated with a significant reduction in the risk of cardiovascular events such as hypertension, myocardial infarction, stroke and cardiomyopathy associated with obesity. Studies have shown that overweight and obesity account for about 25-30% of cases of hypertension and that a reduction of 5 mmHg in systolic and diastolic blood pressure can be achieved simply by the loss of 5-10% of body weight. In the same sense, a modest weight loss helps normalize cholesterol levels, increasing the level of HDL (good cholesterol) and decreasing LDL and triglycerides (bad cholesterol). These effects have been shown to protect the heart. From the above, it obviously has to start considering shed some weight in order to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, as they are best prevented administered.

Diabetes Risk Reduction

Being overweight is a major risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes This is because the accumulated fat tissue makes resistant to the actions of insulin, a phenomenon aptly described as insulin resistance body. As a result, glucose levels rise in the blood and can not be used by body cells and tissues. However, studies have shown that obese individuals significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes if they lose up to 5-10% of their body weight. Similarly, it was discovered that those who already have type 2 diabetes have better glycemic control with medications after losing some weight.

Decreased risk of cancer

Obesity has been associated with various cancers, especially endometrial, breast, prostate, esophagus, colon and gallbladder cancers among others. One study found that in 2007, about 34,000 new cases of cancer and 50,500 new cases among men and women, respectively, in the United States were attributable to obesity. Understandably, a reduction in weight has been associated with a decreased incidence of these cancers. For example, an analysis of the research found that if all adults could reduce their body mass index by 1%, about 100,000 new cases of cancer have been avoided.

Less breathing problems

Weight loss has the advantage of reducing the risk of respiratory diseases such as obstructive sleep apnea, asthma and respiratory infections are more common among obese people. One study found that modest weight loss of 10% improves sleep patterns and reduced daytime sleepiness among people who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea.

Less osteoarthritis and back pain

Increased incidence of osteoarthritis and chronic low back pain has been observed in obese individuals. One study noted that especially among obese black and Hispanic women, osteoarthritis of the knee results in a substantial reduction in the years of quality-adjusted life. Fortunately, it has been shown that when you lose some weight, your risk of osteoarthritis and chronic low back pain is significantly reduced.

Less risk of reproductive problems

Reproductive problems such as infertility, erectile dysfunction, fetal macrosomia (large baby) and fetal death have been reported to be more common among obese people than their normal weight. Obesity can lead to alterations in the female reproductive hormones that can affect a woman's fertility. Furthermore, fat cells produce substances that lead to inflammation and the accumulation of plaque within the blood vessels, a process known as atherosclerosis. This can block blood vessels that supply the penis and lead to erectile dysfunction can also result in male-factor infertility.For more details click here