Tuesday, 7 of February of 2012

Weight Loss Health Benefits

There are many health benefits to weight loss
There are many health benefits to weight loss

Most people in the United Kingdom choose to lose weight for aesthetic reasons. But by shedding a few extra pounds, these people may very well be able to avoid serious medical complications and extend their lives by years. Here are just a few health problems associated with obesity that have decreased risks for physically fit people.

Diabetes – In 2005, it was reported that over 4% of the United Kingdom’s population suffered from diabetes. This number continues to grow, and obesity has shown a clear link to the development of type 2 diabetes. When you have excessive fat, your body becomes resistant to insulin. If this happens, your blood sugar levels can get too high.

There is no cure for type 2 diabetes, but by making healthy lifestyle choices you can prevent the disease entirely or at least delay its onset.

Hypertension – It is estimated that at least 30% of UK residents who are 30 pounds or more overweight suffer from hypertension, also known as high blood pressure. If this condition develops, a person becomes more at risk to suffer strokes, heart attack, heart failure, retinal damage and other issues.

Quite obviously, the best treatment for high blood pressure is weight loss. Most people can reduce their blood pressure significantly by losing 10% of their body weight and avoiding large amounts of salt.

High Cholesterol – Also known as hypercholesterolemia, high cholesterol occurs when a person has too much waxy substance built up in their blood supply. If the problem persists, it can lead to arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arterial blood vessels). Many people do not realize they have high cholesterol until it is too late. Some have died as soon as one hour after the first symptom of arteriosclerosis appeared.

High blood cholesterol affects both the underweight and the overweight. However, obesity is a major risk factor for hypercholesterolemia.

Osteoarthritis – Excessive weight is tough on your joints. People who have been overweight for long periods of time often experience pain in their knees, hips and back. If nothing is done to relieve the strain, these aches can sometimes become debilitating and seriously limit a person’s activities.

Cancer – Over the past few decades, researchers have found a strong link between obesity and certain types of cancer. Studies show that those with excessive weight have a higher risk of developing abnormal cell growths on the colon, esophagus, kidneys, prostate breasts and other parts of the body.

The reason for this is not 100% clear; however, it is believed to be linked to the increased toxin levels in the bodies of obese UK residents.

The aesthetic benefits of diet and exercise are many. When you feel more attractive and physically fit, your confidence level sky rockets. This allows for more enjoyable social interactions.

But if you’re having trouble losing weight, look beyond the benefits it will have for your appearance. When you know the serious health risks associated with obesity, it may just give you the push you need to get in shape and stay that way.

Read as much as you can about obesity statistics and the effects of excessive weight in the UK. These facts can be shocking at times, but the more you know, the better prepared you will be to take care of your body.


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