The Benefits Of Losing A Little Weight
Everyone knows that being overweight is unhealthy. But, that certainly doesn’t stop people from making poor eating choices and not getting enough exercise. Thankfully, the science behind weight loss is one of the simplest things in the world. All you have to do is burn more calories than you take in each day. The problem many people face is not having the motivation to work out and eat right on a consistent basis. With that in mind, let’s look at some of those effects of even just a little bit of weight loss.
Everyone knows that being overweight is unhealthy. But, that certainly doesn’t stop people from making poor eating choices and not getting enough exercise. As a result, the obesity rate in the U.S. alone has skyrocketed to 42.4%. Unfortunately, the stats are even worse for children, which means the next generation could be in serious trouble if changes aren’t made.
Thankfully, the science behind weight loss is one of the simplest things in the world. All you have to do is burn more calories than you take in each day. It takes 3,500 calories to gain or lose a pound. So, if you can either eat 500 fewer calories a day or bun 500 calories through exercise, you’ll lose one pound a week. That’s a healthy pace for most people.
The problem many people face is not having the motivation to work out and eat right on a consistent basis.
But, how much more motivated would you be if you knew some of the incredible benefits of losing weight? It’s not just about fitting into a pair of skinny jeans. Even a 5% weight loss can make a huge difference in your life and allow you to experience lasting benefits that can improve your daily life and even help you to live longer.
With that in mind, let’s look at some of those effects of even just a little bit of weight loss. When you’re able to lose a small amount and experience these benefits, you’ll be more motivated to keep going!
Reduced Joint Pain
People who are obese or overweight often experience joint pain throughout their bodies. It can be especially painful in the knees and feet. That makes perfect sense when you think about it. Your legs have to hold up a lot of excess weight. Every time you take a step, that weight is bearing down on your knee joints and causing a lot of extra pressure. When that heavy load is consistent, day after day, your knees will start to hurt and your joints can even become stiff.
Losing even just a little bit of weight can help to alleviate the pressure on your joints and reduce pain and inflammation without the use of medication.
Reduced Risk of Illnesses
Did you know that being overweight increases your chances for a variety of different illnesses and ailments? That includes everything from diabetes and heart disease to certain types of cancer.
But, losing weight can reduce your chances almost right away. Even if you already have an illness or a chronic condition, losing weight can help you to better manage your symptoms so they aren’t as debilitating throughout the day.
Better Sleep Each Night
When you carry too much weight, you might have trouble sleeping for several reasons. First, it might be difficult to get comfortable. More importantly, however, is that people who are obese sometimes have a condition known as sleep apnea. It causes the breathing to stop throughout the night for a few seconds at a time. If it isn’t treated properly, it can actually be quite dangerous. People with sleep apnea often need to use a machine at night that assists in their breathing.
A Natural Energy Boost
The more weight you lose, the more energetic you feel. Being obese can, literally, weigh you down. It can cause you to feel fatigued and tire out quickly, even when you’re doing something fun and exciting. Losing weight will give you more energy for those things you want to do.
When you try to lose weight, chances are you’ll be eating plenty of healthy fruits and vegetables, along with whole grains. Those are also all great options for boosting your energy and feeling better inside and out.
Less Heartburn
Not only can extra weight put you at a greater risk of developing a heart condition but it can actually cause physical pain in your chest. Just like extra weight puts more pressure on your joints, it also puts more pressure on your heart. That kind of pressure can force the acids in your stomach to “come up” through the esophagus. Unfortunately, that can lead to unpleasant sensations like heartburn, or even acid reflux.
The less weight you have to put pressure on your heart, the less you’ll feel the effects of those situations. As a result, you won’t have to worry about heartburn as frequently. That will help you to feel better, overall, which can be a motivator all on its own to continue on your weight loss journey.
Higher Self-Esteem
The benefits of losing weight, even if it’s just a small amount, go far beyond physical. Undoubtedly, when you choose to lose weight naturally through diet and exercise, you’ll be the first to notice any changes that occur. When you actually start to see the physical effects of your weight loss, it can boost your confidence and build your self-esteem.
Speeding Up the Weight Loss Project
Unfortunately, there is no “magic solution” for losing weight quickly. The best thing you can do if you want to lose weight naturally is to eat healthy, low-calorie foods and get plenty of exercise and even start a 28 day detox challenge.
But, being too overweight can cause a lot of health issues and may even make it nearly impossible for you to get started with working out, etc. That’s why some people opt for a weight loss surgeon to help them remove stubborn belly fat. It’s not a procedure for everyone, but some people are ideal candidates. If you’ve already tried losing weight on your own and nothing seems to work, talking to a weight loss doctor can help.
Remember, losing weight takes time. You didn’t gain it all overnight and you won’t lose it all overnight. Hopefully, these health benefits help you to realize just how important it is to lose even 5% of your weight when you’re considered an obese individual. Start with small goals and work your way up to larger ones to stay motivated and keep moving forward. When you do things the right way to lose weight, you’ll be amazing at the results.