Whether you have just a few pounds to lose or you are fighting a the battle against obesity, we all know the basic reasons being a healthy weight. We’re not going to talk about how if you lose weight, you will be thin and probably live longer. Those are both great reasons, but let’s take a look at some of the lesser known benefits of losing weight.
1. A Better State of Mind
While improving your self-esteem is certainly an amazing aspect of losing weight, it goes beyond that. If you find yourself in a bit of a slump or may even depressed, you could go to your family doctor and they may prescribe you an antidepressant. Or, if you exercise on a regular basis, the endorphins released may just do the trick naturally. If you are feeling depressed, this is not an endorsement of avoiding your doctor, so always contact a health professional if you feel it’s serious enough… you just may find the solution without a prescription.
2. Better Skin
We’re all concerned about our appearance. That’s why the beauty industry brings in huge sums. While you can spend your money on concealers and other make-up tricks, there’s a good chance that if you eat right and exercise your skin will be naturally clear and supple.
3. Diabetes Can Be Reversed
If you aren’t diabetic, losing weight will decrease your chances of becoming one. If you already have type 2 diabetes, then it may not be too late to turn things around. Exercising and eating right can give you a new lease on life and actually reverse diabetes. That’s right, you can be symptom-free by changing your lifestyle.
4. Improve Asthma and Allergies
At first glance, weight loss and allergies seem totally unrelated, but Michael Wald, MD, an integrated medicine specialist in Mount Kisco, New York, says they are:
“For some people, being overweight contributes to worsened asthma and allergies. It puts a burden on the adrenal glands, which are involved in managing asthma and allergies. Being overweight is also a strain upon the respiratory system and can exacerbate asthma symptoms.”