7
min read
Benefits of Weight Loss
Even a modest weight loss of 5 to 10 percent of your total body weight is likely to produce health benefits, such as improvements in blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and blood sugars.
For example, if you weigh 200 pounds, a 5 percent weight loss equals 10 pounds, bringing your weight down to 190 pounds. While this weight may still be in the “overweight” range, this modest weight loss can decrease your risk factors for chronic diseases related to obesity. So even if the overall goal seems large, see it as a journey rather than just a final destination. You’ll learn new eating and physical activity habits that will help you live a healthier lifestyle. These habits may help you maintain your weight loss over time.
The number on the scale might scare you: 185 pounds, 240 pounds, 300 pounds. Whatever it is, it might seem too daunting and overwhelming to tackle. But what if you focused on a smaller number instead: 18, 24, 30. Those numbers aren’t so scary now, are they?
What is healthy weight loss?
It’s natural for anyone trying to lose weight to want to lose it very quickly. But people who lose weight gradually and steadily (about 1 to 2 pounds per week) are more successful at maintaining their new weight and keeping weight off. Healthy weight loss isn’t just about a “diet” or a quick fix. It’s about an ongoing lifestyle that includes long-term changes in your routine, daily eating, and exercise habits. Losing weight is not easy, and it takes commitment and consistency.
Starting your weight loss journey with a goal of losing just 10% of your overall weight can help kickstart your process. Losing just 10% of your body weight can have huge impacts on your health.
10 ways you benefit from a 10% weight loss
1. Improves heart health
Raising your HDL—the “good” cholesterol can be difficult but is extremely important to your heart health. Having the right amount of HDL cholesterol lowers the risk of an individual getting heart disease. Even a 10% weight loss can increase HDL cholesterol by five points, helping protect against heart disease.
2. Improves self esteem
Feeling better about yourself is a wonderful byproduct of losing weight. When your clothes start to become a little baggy you know all your hard work is paying off. You can’t help but take a second glance in the mirror, and girl, you deserve to!
3. Lowers cancer risk
Cancers like breast, colon, kidney, and gallbladder are correlated with being overweight. Losing just 10% of your current body weight can decrease your risks of these types of cancers.
4. Better sleep
Losing weight can help you get better sleep. Those with sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, and periodic limb movement can clock more restful zzzs by losing some lbs.
5. Improves mobility
Dropping just a little bit of weight can help you get around much easier. Losing weight can help improve your breathing and lung function. Soon enough, you’ll be able to walk up a flight of stairs without running out of breath.
6. Lowers risk of diabetes
Carrying around an extra 10 to 20 pounds can put a person at a greater risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. Losing weight helps lower blood sugar levels and improves your body’s ability to regulate sugar and insulin levels.
7. Your lifestyle will influence others
If you have kids, use this to motivate you to be a good example to them. And remember, once your family gets involved, they will also in turn motivate you to keep going. It’s a win-win situation for everybody.
8. Reduces pain
Even a small amount of weight loss can help decrease pains such as knee, joint, and back. Extra pounds can put stress on your joints and lead to chronic pain, but losing weight can alleviate that pain.
9. Less stress
Chances are you’ll be exercising to hit your weight loss goals, which also helps your body suppress hormones that cause stress and anxiety. Plus being able to move around quicker and having a healthy outlet also reduces stress.
10. Boosts your mood
Shedding excess pounds can make you feel more awake and happy. Of course you’re going to feel better when you look better. More energy and better sleep will all help boost your mood as you drop the pounds.
Don’t get overwhelmed by losing big numbers when you’re starting to lose weight. Focus on a small percent of your weight and make that your goal. You’ll build momentum and soon enough, those small numbers will add up! Take a group class, meet with a trainer, or talk to our front desk staff for help! You don't have to go on this journey alone, a HUGE benefit of being an Edge member is the number of amenities and available resources to help you achieve whatever fitness goal you have! Your goal is our goal! See you in the gym. 💪
