Why Lose Weight?

You Can't Argue With the Benefits of Losing Weight

Why lose weight? Why not? There are many benefits to losing weight, including improved self esteem and better physical health.

One of the very best reasons to lose weight is your health. There are so many ways that losing fat can make you feel better physically, it's amazing. And you don't have to lose 50 pounds either! Even a loss of 5 to 10 pounds, or as little as 10% of your current body weight, can make a significant difference in your health and how you feel in your day to day life.

It's important to recognize that while losing weight can certainly enhance your appearance and make you feel better about how you look, appearance should not be your main focus for starting a weight loss program. Getting healthier should be your primary goal.

According to the American Heart Association, being even "10 to 20 pounds overweight (for a person of average height) increases the risk of death, particularly among adults ages 30 to 64." So that's us middle-aged ladies, right? Even worse... being obese greatly increases your risk of death over people who are at a healthy weight.

Health Benefits of Losing Weight

Still asking Why Lose Weight? OK then, here are the physical benefits you will begin to enjoy as the pounds and fat melt away...

• More energy and endurance
• Lower cholesterol & triglyceride levels
• Reduced blood pressure
• Less aches and pains
• Better mobility
• Easier breathing, especially with exertion
• Better and more restful sleep
• Prevent or reverse heart disease and type 2 diabetes

If you carry a lot of your excess weight in your waistline (the "apple" body shape), then losing even 2% of your weight could make a big difference in how you feel! Isn't that amazing? I have to say, I was an apple and I really did start to feel many of the benefits listed above almost as soon as I lost just 5 pounds.

Actually, I didn't even realize just how bad I was feeling, until I started to feel so much better and activities I do all the time became SO much easier as my pounds melted away. I'm guessing it will be the same for you...

In addition, as the picture above communicates, it's not just physically that you'll feel better. Losing weight also feeds your mind and your spirit. In other words, it can lift your mood, for many reasons....

Mind & Body Answers to "Why Lose Weight?"

Certainly losing fat can boost your self esteem. Not only do you gain a sense of accomplishment when you achieve your weight loss goals, you also feel more comfortable in your own skin. Your clothes start fitting better (or looser, anyway!) and people start commenting on how much thinner you are looking.

With improved self esteem and self confidence often comes better interpersonal and social relationships. When you radiate more confidence, others will respond in kind. And as you interact more with other people, your confidence and happiness will continue to build as well.

Also, many overweight people are what is called "emotional eaters." They use eating as a way to deal with powerful emotions... albeit not effectively. As you begin to lose weight, you also lose your dependence on that emotional crutch and begin to deal with life and feelings in healthier ways.

Weight loss efforts also help you put balance back in your life. When you're overeating and not exercising, there is a severe lack of balance in your life. And that doesn't even take into account the likelihood that you've given up on many of your social activities, etc.

The bottom line is that your happiness is one of the best answers to the question, "Why lose weight?" Better health is just another of the many benefits to losing weight.

Also in This Section

• Risks of Being Overweight
• Statistics on Overweight Americans
• How to Know if YOU Are Overweight
• Obesity Defined
• What You Need to Know About BMI
• Women's Weight Issues
• Menopause & Weight Gain

Here's some inspirational stories for you to see:

• My weight loss success
• Jill's weight loss story
• Start your own success story

Please NOTE: The information on this website is for informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical or professional advice. Anyone considering starting a weight loss program should consult with their doctor first.