Obesity negatively impacts the physical and mental well-being of the patient. It also lowers the life expectancy rate of patients. More than 2.8 million people die every year as a result of being overweight. This is true according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Overeating and insufficient physical activity are the main contributors. Yet, there are other reasons, such as genetics and health problems like hypothyroidism. Obesity control aims at weight loss, which in turn increases the quality of life. A proactive healthy weight journey is the most crucial part of good health.

5 Ways Losing Weight Contributes to a Healthier Lifestyle

Healthy Weight Loss

Setting smart weight-loss goals is in your body’s best interest. Sustainable weight loss is slow, controlled, and healthy. Some people adopt unhealthy practices such as bulimia, which take a toll on mental health. Ideal weight loss involves healthy eating habits, hydrating, and working out. Read on to identify how these activities promote a healthier way of life.

Healthy Eating Habits

Healthy habits ultimately lead to a healthy life. In America, obesity affects approximately one-third of mature people (30.7%). Proper eating habits aim at gradual rather than sudden weight reduction. A good relationship with food does not mean cutting carbohydrates out of your diet but involves meal planning. Therefore, you are mindful of calorie intake. It is a strategy aimed at healthy dieting for maximum effect. Other practices include eating fruits and whole grains. These contain low calorific content and high fiber. They make for great snacks that leave you feeling full for longer.

Drinking Enough Water

Drinking enough water can help lose weight by boosting the metabolism of the body. This means your body burns food into energy necessary for body functions such as breathing. Also, drinking water balances electrolytes in the body. They are responsible for balancing salt levels between cell walls. Also, electrolytes promote proper nerve functioning. Compared to obese people, electrolyte imbalances are less common in the rest of the population. Excess sweating contributes to this imbalance. Obese people tend to sweat a lot after little physical exertion, thus, they are at more risk. However, drinking too little or too much will affect the level of electrolytes in the body.

Exercising

The goal of exercising is to burn calories. Within the past year, approximately 49.1% of adults tried to shed weight. Modest weight loss has a significant impact on your vascular health. This is because when you shed weight, it reduces the fat that has accumulated on the lining of your blood vessels. This is good for the heart since it is not overworked, pumping blood through constricted vessels.

Did you know that obese people have extra tissue at the back of their throats? Well, when they sleep, this tissue obstructs airflow to the lungs. This leads them to snore excessively or even stop breathing briefly altogether. This condition is known as sleep apnea. Losing 10% of body weight will reduce these symptoms, whereas a larger weight loss will cure this problem.

Exercise is also good for mental health. It promotes the release of endorphins, a feel-good hormone. Additionally, it boosts serotonin levels, a hormone that promotes a feeling of happiness. Therefore, on gloomy days when you are feeling depressed, working out can help you reduce stress levels.

Healthy Body Mass Index (BMI)

Having excess body fat is harmful to your health. BMI is calculated using height and weight. Any index greater than 25 indicates obesity. When you are overweight, more pressure is on your feet to support the extra weight. On average, 25% of adults in the U.S. suffer from joint pains. Unhealthy BMI increases the risk of chronic diseases, which can be controlled by cutting weight. They are at greater risk of developing the following diseases:

  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Cardiovascular diseases such as stroke
  • Cancer

Healthy weight loss is associated with a healthy relationship with food. Exercising and drinking water are also known to boost the body’s metabolism. These lead to the proper functioning of body parts and reduced risk of diseases.