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Losing weight isn’t easy, but even a small amount of weight loss offers big benefits. Here’s how that modest loss can improve your health — and keep you on track to achieve your goals.
If you’re overweight, losing those extra pounds can seem insurmountable. That’s because many of us are taught to think that weight loss only works when we lose a large amount of weight. But that’s just not true.
Losing even a modest amount of weight — say, 5% — can deliver plenty of benefits. Understanding what those are may be just what you need to stay on track and finally achieve your weight loss goals.
At Premier Physicians Weight Loss & Wellness, Dana Trippi, DO, and her team help patients in Las Vegas, Henderson, and Reno, Nevada, celebrate the step-by-step victories of medical weight loss with education and guidance.
In this post, learn about the benefits you can enjoy simply by shedding those first few pounds.
1. Improved cardiovascular health
Just a 5% weight loss can reduce your blood pressure by as much as five points. Lower blood pressure means less strain on your heart and blood vessels and decreased risks of heart disease, stroke, and even dementia.
As you lose weight, your cholesterol levels can also decline, enhancing long-term cardiovascular benefits.
2. Increased energy
Carrying around extra pounds puts added stress and strain on every part of your body. Every movement takes extra energy; even functions like digestion require added effort.
Not surprisingly, being overweight can lead to feelings of fatigue. Losing just a small amount of weight can reverse those feelings, giving you more energy and boosting your mood.
3. Less joint pain
When it comes to the impact of weight on your joints, every extra pound you weigh puts about 4 pounds on your joints. That means that losing just 10 pounds of excess weight reduces strain on your knee joints by 40 pounds.
Reduced strain on your joints means less wear-and-tear on your joint cartilage and less risk of painful arthritis. Plus, less joint pain makes it easier to take part in the activities you enjoy, improving your quality of life.
4. Improved glucose control
Modest weight loss also helps your body balance glucose and insulin, reducing your risk of Type 2 diabetes. Better glucose control promotes further weight loss and reduces your risk of blood vessel and nerve damage caused by elevated glucose levels.
5. More efficient metabolism
Losing weight makes it easier for your digestive system to function and can help you burn calories more efficiently. Not only is that good for your overall health, but it can help you achieve further weight loss goals and keep pounds off too.
6. Better sleep
Excess weight can interfere with breathing during sleep, increasing your risk of sleep apnea. Losing those first few pounds can help you sleep better, improving your overall health.
7. Improved emotional wellness
Finally, losing those first few pounds can go a long way toward improving your mood and buoying your emotional well-being.
Losing weight helps balance your hormones, so you feel less moody and more energized. Plus, the results you see in the mirror and in how your clothes fit can go a long way toward motivating the rest of your weight loss journey.
If you’re ready to lose weight, our team is ready to help. To find out more, request an appointment online or over the phone with the team at Premier Physicians Weight Loss & Wellness today.