Excess weight carries a significant health risk that shouldn’t be ignored. Here are 8 important reasons to strive for a healthy weight:
Heart Health
Excess weight puts an enormous strain on your cardiovascular system. It forces our heart to work harder to pump blood through the body, increasing the risk of high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, heart attack, and stroke. Excess weight can also disrupt healthy cholesterol levels. Modest weight loss can dramatically improve cardiovascular health.
Reduce the Risk of Diabetes
Excess body fat causes cells to become resistant to insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar. As insulin resistance develops, it leads to higher blood sugar and increases the risk of type 2 diabetes. 90% of people with diabetes also have obesity. Weight loss significantly reduces the chance of diabetes.
Lower Cancer Risk
Excess weight is an established risk factor for several types of cancer: colorectal, breast, uterine, kidney, and prostate, among others. Excess weight increases inflammation, and impacts hormones in ways that promote abnormal cell growth and progression of cancers. Maintaining a healthy weight is an important part of a cancer prevention strategy.
Enhance Mental Health
Excess weight can take a toll on mental health by increasing anxiety and depression, and impacts memory, concentration, and our brain processing speed. Maintaining a healthy weight can dramatically improve mood, mental clarity, and overall well-being.
Reduce Injury Risk
Extra weight increases the load on joints, muscles, and bones. This amplified stress leads to a higher chance of strains, sprains, and fractures. A healthy weight increases mobility, reduces pain, and the chance of injuries.
Balance Sexual Health
Excess weight in women increases the risk of infertility, irregular periods, and other reproductive issues. Hormonal changes that occur during menopause may also contribute to weight gain. In men, obesity is a leading cause of erectile dysfunction and low testosterone levels. A healthy weight can improve chances of conceiving and also enhance sexual desire and drive.
Breathe Easier and Improve Sleep
Excess weight, especially around the belly, limits the lung’s ability to fully expand during breathing. Obesity also significantly raises the risk of sleep apnea. A healthy body weight is linked with less shortness of breath, increased exercise endurance, reduced risk of sleep apnea symptoms and promotes higher-quality sleep.
Live Longer, Healthier
Obesity is linked with over 200 medical problems, such as diabetes and heart disease, and reduces lifespan by eight years. Studies support that maintaining a healthy weight improves quality of life and longevity.
EVEXIA MEDICAL is here to help. We are a board-certified medical nutrition practice in Palm Beach County specializing in Weight Loss that is personalized and lasting. Feel good physically, emotionally, and mentally.
Call 561-621-1096 and let our expert team help.
