Weight Loss Benefits

10 Weight Loss Benefits That Might Surprise You

There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that losing excess weight is beneficial to health. The physical benefits are obvious, with slimmed down weight-loss warriors enjoying:

• greater movement and flexibility
• better sleep
• increased energy
• fewer aches and pains
• less pressure on the body
• easier breathing 

But what about the less obvious benefits? Both physically, mentally and socially, there are many after all…
Physical benefits

1. Glycemic control
 
Weight loss in patients with type 2 diabetes can improve glycaemic control, improve dyslipidaemia, and lower blood pressure. Good control over blood sugar levels can prevent or at the very least delay the development of some diabetes complications, and a joint study conducted by the CSIRO and University of Adelaide reported that even small weight loss can stimulate improvements in HbAA1c (medium term indicator of blood glucose control).

2. A healthier heart
 
Studies indicate that excess body fat releases naturally occurring chemicals into the bloodstream that cause blood pressure to rise. And as you likely know, high blood pressure is one of the major risk factors for heart disease. Being overweight also causes the liver to produce excessive amounts of LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol), another risk factor for heart disease.

3. Improved mood
 
Working out releases feel good chemicals called endorphins, which interact with receptors in your brain to deliver positive feelings. Similar to that of morphine, exercise pushes your body to a happy place and then holds you there as you start to see results. Known as a “runner’s high”, the euphoric feeling you get from exercise is often accompanied by a positive and energising outlook on life.  

4. Brighter skin

If your weight loss is the result of a healthy diet and regular exercise, it’s not just a slimmed down version of yourself you’ll see. Your skin too will improve, largely due to an uptake in nutrients and the sweat that’s literally pushing the junk out of your pores. Just be sure to keep pores unclogged by washing your face following your workout.

5. Fewer colds
 
Studies show that those with a higher body mass index (BMI) take more sick days from work, and that obese individuals have more respiratory infections and viral infections than their slimmer counterparts. Symptoms in the obese are often more severe too, with a disproportionate number of obese people hospitalised during the outbreak of swine flu in 2009. Nothing strengthens your immune system better than leading a healthy lifestyle.

6. Better sex drive
 
According to a study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, men with a 5-point increase in body mass index (around 13 extra kilograms), had testosterone levels of men a full decade older. Other studies tell us that weight loss of just 5 kilograms will stimulate sex hormones, and key workouts are thought to get blood flowing to the pelvic area for even greater libido.

7. Improved fertility
 
Evidence clearly shows that being overweight can have adverse effects on reproduction. Carrying excess body fat causes disturbances in sex hormone metabolism and increases the rates of miscarriage and medical complications; in particular, pregnancy-induced hypertension, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia.

Social and mental benefits

1. Respect in the workplace
 
When your boss and colleagues see you eating healthily and maintaining healthy weight, they see you as an outcome-driven leader. Losing weight shows that you want to be successful and that you’re good at achieving goals. It shows you know how to take care of yourself effectively, and that translates to your capabilities in business.

2. More friends
 
Multiple studies have suggested that overweight people have fewer friends than their healthy weight counterparts. This is because overweight people are more likely to be rejected by slimmer people. Young people in particular are more likely to socially marginalise those who are overweight. According to researchers at Arizona State University, overweight people have one fewer friend on average than healthy weight people.

3. Better relationships
 
Many people with weight issues have low self-worth, and may have trouble believing they deserve love and affection. Low self-worth causes you to isolate yourself from others, restricting people from seeing anything past the obvious. Losing weight can be be a step forward in opening up to others to build deeper relationships.
Things to remember
 
The reality is that there are a ton of reasons to get healthy and lose unwanted weight, and with Marketplace Gungahlin losing weight is made easier. Visit Fernwood Fitness and enjoy a large range of classes, nutrition advice, and childcare facilities, with easy access to free parking. And finally, visit Elite Supplements or Prodigy Performance Nutrition for all your supplement needs.