8 Benefits of Losing Some of Your Excess Weight

8 Benefits of Losing Some of Your Excess Weight

From fine lines and wrinkles to discolored teeth, nearly everyone has something they’d like to change about themselves. For half of the population, their main concern is shedding excess weight.

However, unlike many of the flaws we seek to fix, losing weight also comes with numerous mental, emotional, and physical health benefits that promote an overall better lifestyle. 

Here, Dr. Michael Skardasis and our team at Optimal Performance Medicine walk through eight benefits of weight loss and show you some of the ways we can help you get there.

#1: Better sleep

The smaller number on the scale isn’t what helps you catch more Zs; rather, it’s the methods of weight loss that can positively impact your sleep. A healthier diet and increased exercise help regulate your sleeping patterns, which in turn can help you lose more weight and maintain your new, healthy lifestyle.

#2: Reduced inflammation

Fat cells release chemicals that can trigger widespread inflammation in your tissues. Chronic inflammation can lead to a variety of health problems, including arthritis, heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. With fewer fat cells, you experience much less harmful inflammation. 

#3: Less stress on joints

Your joints are responsible for just about every movement you make — and they do it while bearing your body weight. The more weight you force your joints to carry, the more stress they endure and the greater your chance of painful joint damage. 

Getting rid of your extra weight frees your joints to move freely and without added pressure. 

#4: Improved outlook on life

Scientists and researchers are still unclear why, but there appears that a better body image combined with improved sleep has a direct impact on your mood. 

Not only do you feel more confident, but you may also be able to participate more fully in life and the activities you enjoy, contributing to better moods. 

#5: Reduced risk of chronic illnesses

Diabetes, heart disease, cancer, oh my! These are just some of the chronic illnesses that often accompany a life lived overweight, especially if your family tree says you’re already at risk. Lose weight, however, and your healthy habits start to turn your prognosis around. 

#6: Improved sex drive

Being overweight can kill your sex drive. Either you feel self-conscious, you simply can’t get in the mood, or both. But lose some weight, and your confidence as well as your ability to become aroused improve significantly. 

#7: Boost in energy

As you lose weight, you adopt a new diet, start getting more exercise, and sleep through the night — all of which can improve your energy. Additionally, your body doesn’t have to expend as much energy to keep you moving all day.

#8: Supported health

When you’re overweight, just about every facet of your health takes a hit. But when you start to lose weight, a few things happen, such as:

Getting these areas of your health under control helps you ward off potentially serious health conditions. 

How we can help

We know that weight loss can often become a vanity contest, but at Optimal Performance Medicine, we’re about helping people become healthier for good. That’s why we take the time to understand your entire health history and uncover why you’ve gained weight or why you’re struggling to lose it. 

Then, we create a weight-loss program that works for you. Depending on your needs, we may include:

We come alongside you to help you not just start your weight-loss journey, but finish it. 

If you’re ready to get to work losing weight, we’re here to help. Request an appointment online or over the phone at our Woodstock, Georgia, location today. 

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