Lose Weight for a Health Boost

Posted: May 09 in Weight loss by Dr. Lazarus

Think you need to reach your ultimate weight loss goal to start feeling the benefits of improved health? Think again. Your body will start reacting positively to weight loss after losing just five to 10 percent of your excess weight. This means it is entirely likely that after just a few short weeks you can start feeling the benefits of your weight loss program.

If you live in Denver and struggle with obesity, then medical weight loss is one of the best things you can do for your body. Every inch of your body inside and out will be affected by your weight loss. For many, these health benefits provide added motivation in the journey to a slimmer waistline.

Come On, Get Healthy

Excess weight affects your physical and mental health in many ways. It can put you at an increased risk for obesity-related conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and sleep apnea, all of which can greatly interfere with your quality of life. Treatment options for these conditions often include medications and sometimes even surgery, especially if a heart condition grows severe.

Living a healthy lifestyle can reduce your risk of developing these conditions. For those who are already coping with these concerns or others like them, losing weight can help. Sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease have all been shown to improve with weight loss.

Other health conditions that can be positively impacted by losing weight include:

• Arthritis
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Certain kinds of cancer
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Digestive troubles
• Heartburn and acid reflux

Medical weight loss programs can improve your health by introducing healthy lifestyle habits that you can practice long-term. These include diet and exercise changes that will help you shed pounds as you engage in an overall healthier way of life.

Some of these healthier lifestyle habits include:

• Eating smaller portions: Cutting portion sizes back down to size will cut calories from your diet before you even start making food choice changes. Reducing portions can also reduce your risk of heartburn and acid reflux by reducing the pressure on the valve that separates the stomach from the esophagus.
• Exercising regularly: Whatever you do, exercising everyday can improve your health. Cardiovascular activities like walking, biking, swimming and jogging are especially great. These can enhance blood circulation, thus reducing blood pressure and improving heart health. Exercise can also tame anxiety.
• Drink more water: Your body needs water to thrive, yet so many people switch out water for sugary sodas, juices and teas. Switch back to water to cut down on calories as you lose weight and you can improve your health significantly by practicing better hydration habits.

Medical weight loss programs are a great investment for improved health. As you lose weight, think of all the ways you wish you could change your health for the better. Talk with your weight loss doctor about your health and wellness goals to customize a program for your needs.