WHAT A LITTLE WEIGHT LOSS CAN DO
The benefits of weight loss are profound. Here are several examples of how losing just a few pounds can alter your risks:
Heart disease and hypertension.
The risk for heart disease, which includes heart attack, congestive heart failure, sudden cardiac death, angina, and abnormal heart rhythm, is higher in individuals who are overweight or obese. In addition, high blood pressure, or hypertension, is twice as common in adults who are obese than in those who maintain a healthy weight. Obesity also is associated with elevated triglycerides (blood fat) and decreased HDL cholesterol, also known as "good" cholesterol. Losing just 5 to 15 percent of your weight can lower your chances for developing heart disease or having a stroke. Weight loss also improves blood pressure, as well as triglyceride and cholesterol levels.
Diabetes.
A weight gain of 11 to 18 pounds increases the risk for developing type 2 diabetes to twice that of those who maintain a healthy weight. There is a direct link between overweight and diabetes: More than 80 percent of people with diabetes are overweight or obese. You can lower your risk for developing type 2 diabetes by losing weight and increasing your physical activity. Recent research shows that a 5 to 7 percent weight loss can prevent type 2 diabetes in people who are at high risk for the disease.
Cancer.
Research shows that overweight and obesity are associated with an increased risk for some types of cancer. These including endometrial, colon, gallbladder, prostrate, kidney, and postmenopausal breast cancers. Also, women who gain more than 20 pounds between age 18 and midlife double their risk of postmenopausal breast cancer, compared to women who do not gain weight. Maintaining a healthy weight may decrease cancer risk.
Sleep apnea.
This disorder, which causes interrupted breathing during sleep, is more common in obese persons. Studies show that weight loss improves symptoms of sleep apnea.
Arthritis.
Excess weight is hard on the bones. For every 2-pound increase in your weight, the risk for developing arthritis increases by 9 to 13 percent. Symptoms of arthritis improve with weight loss. If you think you've heard enough, there's more: Excess weight is associated with increased risk for gallbladder disease, incontinence, and increased surgical risk. Also pre- menopausal women who are overweight can experience irregular menstrual cycles and infertility. Extra pounds can cause complications during pregnancy, too. Obesity during pregnancy is associated with increased risk for death in both the baby and the mother and increases the risk of high blood pressure. Women who are obese during pregnancy also are more likely to have gestational diabetes and experience problems with labour and delivery. Finally, obesity affects quality of life as well. Excess weight can lead to depression and anxiety. THE TIME TO BURN FAT AND GET HEALTHY IS NOW In general, the more overweight you are the more likely you are to have health problems. Even modest weight loss of 5 or 10 pounds can greatly lower your risk factors. To lose weight and keep it off, try to make long-term changes in your eating and physical activity habits. Before you begin any weight loss plan, it's important to talk with your physician. He or she can advise you on the weight loss plan that will work best for you.
