With loads of processed food circulating on the market and sedentary lifestyle being on the rise more than ever, a lot of people are unknowingly consuming more calories than needed and may end up being overweight. As we all know, being obese or overweight can be very unhealthy and pose a number of health risks. Therefore, it is very important to be physically active and safeguard yourself. On this week's journal, we will be explaining some benefits you may reap if you lose weight.
1. Lessens the risk of having diabetes
Being overweight or obese is a leading risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body stops producing insulin in the amounts adequate to meet the body’s needs or the insulin that is produced doesn’t work properly. Carrying excess weight makes it difficult for cells to respond to insulin, because the extra fat acts like an insulating layer, making it harder for the sugar to move into cells and resulting in higher circulating blood sugar levels. However, type 2 diabetes can be prevented through weight loss and by maintaining a healthy weight.
2. Balances blood glucose levels
Poorly controlled blood glucose levels may lead to a number of complications, especially when you have diabetes. Risks of chronic heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and amputations are higher in type 2 diabetics as a direct result of damage caused to blood vessels by high sugar levels. By limiting sugar consumption, doing exercises and having an active lifestyle, you can lose weight. This will definitely help maintain good control over blood sugar levels and preventing further health complications.
3. Improves heart health
As two of the major factors for heart disease are high blood pressure and high cholesterol, studies indicate that the accumulation of excess body fat in overweight people tend to release certain chemicals into the bloodstream that causes blood pressure to rise and triggers the liver to produce excessive amounts of LDL cholesterol. This bad cholesterol tends to stick and accumulate in the walls of blood vessels leading to narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis) and increases the risk of heart attacks and stroke. Therefore, weight loss will certainly ease your efforts to get a healthier cardiovascular system.
4. Better sleep
Overweight and obese people are more prone to snoring, and this is caused by accumulation of fatty tissue in the neck. Snoring may lead to a potentially life-threatening condition called sleep apnea, where breathing becomes completely obstructed and requires the sleeper to awaken to begin breathing again. By losing weight, the amount of fatty tissue in the back of the throat reduces, resulting in decreased snoring episodes, better quality sleep and reduces the risk of developing sleep apnea.
5. Increases mobility
Overweight people tends to be sluggish and not as active as individuals who are not. Moreover, the heavier body increases the load placed on the weight bearing joints like your knees and hips. It is estimated that a force of between three to six times your body weight is exerted across the knee while walking. This can certainly accelerate the wear and tear of the joints. Therefore, losing a certain amount of weight can decrease the amount of stress and pain on knees, hips, and lower back, as well as reducing the risk of osteoarthritis.
