Health Benefits of Weight Loss

What are the tangible health benefits of weight loss? There are countless articles that have been written about dieting. Many focus on how to maximize weight loss, or the latest fad diet that will magically transform your figure. Two absolute truths when it comes to diet are that in order to be successful one must reduce caloric intake and also increase physical activity and exercise. I would like to examine the health risks of obesity and most importantly the health benefits of weight loss.

The health risks associated with obesity are described. "Poor nutrition and physical inactivity account for some 300,000 premature deaths in the United States each year. Obesity-related illness results in hundreds of thousands of preventable deaths each year in the United States and billions of dollars in health care costs."

Increasingly the path towards obesity is starting at an early age. The contributing behaviors of overeating, poor eating habits, and a sedentary lifestyle are ingrained at a young age. Trying to overcome these learned behaviors to achieve a sustainable weight loss is very difficult. The Centers for Disease Control list several significant health issues related to being obese and they include:

High blood cholesterol
Diabetes
Congestive heart failure
Cholescystitis and cholelithiasis
Gout
Osteoarthritis
Some types of cancer (such as endometrial, breast, prostate, and colon)
Complications of pregnancy
Poor female reproductive health (such as menstrual irregularities, infertility, irregular ovulation)
Bladder control problems (such as stress incontinence)
Psychological disorders (such as depression, eating disorders, distorted body image, and low self- esteem)
Successful and sustained weight loss can lead to many health benefits. Specifically, improved survival for those with type 2 diabetes, a reduction of blood pressure, increased lung capacity, and improved sleep.

I thought it would be most helpful to present an actual email that I received from an individual describing his weight loss and the immediate benefits.

David writes, "FYI... I have lost 57 lbs in the last 4.5 months. I have been doing it on my own by dramatically cutting down on carbs and limiting my daily caloric intake. The motivation has been to try to get down to a weight level where I can either stop taking some of the drugs I am taking i.e. blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol or at least decrease the amount I am taking. As you most likely realize, being grossly overweight causes many other problems in addition to the ones mentioned above. I have suffered from back pain, breathing problems, sleep apnea, etc. for many years. I am happy to share with you that the back pain is almost gone. I took a breathing test today and my lungs have gone from 60% capacity to 86%! Finally, the sleep apnea is also GONE..."

One can achieve any dream or goal by insuring that your daily actions are consistent with your core beliefs. Because positive life changes are in harmony with your value system and motivated by your desire to aid your favorite charity or non profit you are sure to succeed. As you encounter daily success you begin to realize that you are in control of your life, able to make proactive and positive decisions, and gain self-confidence.

http://www.1purpose.com. Live every day with purpose. Select an activity that nourishes your mind, body and soul and donate money to your favorite charity, fundraiser or 529 Plan.
1purpose.com gives you the tools and the inspiration to achieve your personal goals and then contribute 100% of funds raised to an organization or college plan of your choice. We will motivate you to stay committed to your healthy lifestyle and track your path to success. 1purpose is simple, fun and free. Live Inspired!

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