Losing weight isn’t easy, and starting a weight loss program can feel like a huge challenge, especially when delicious carbs are all around us. A study from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development in 2000 found that most Americans gain between 0.4 and 1.8 pounds every year and never lose that weight. Over time, these small gains add up, making it even harder to achieve that dream of a healthier body. It’s no surprise that the Mayo Clinic points out a lack of motivation as a major reason people struggle to lose weight.
But if you need some motivation beyond the perfect bodies you see in ads, you’re in luck. We’ve put together a list of the top five benefits of weight loss, and none of them have to do with looks. These are real reasons to get moving:
1. **A Longer Life**: It’s probably no shock that losing weight can help you live longer. A 2004 review of research published in “Health Technology Assessment” found that shedding pounds is linked to better health and a longer life. When you lose weight, you reduce your risk of diseases like type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure, which can also lower your cancer risk. For example, men who lose weight cut down their chances of getting colon and prostate cancer, while women reduce their risk of breast, ovarian, and cervical cancers.
2. **Better Body Function**: Being overweight increases your risk of balance problems and falls. Losing weight makes you more flexible and mobile, reducing the risk of dangerous falls. It also lessens pain and pressure on your joints, improving your balance. Plus, a lighter body means a stronger heart and better lung capacity, giving your body more oxygen to keep you moving and even boosting your mood.
3. **Improved Sleep**: Americans often don’t get enough sleep, with many averaging around six hours a night instead of the recommended seven to nine. Losing weight can help you get better rest. Being overweight raises the risk of sleep disorders like sleep apnea, which can disrupt your sleep hundreds of times a night. Losing weight can help you sleep more soundly and wake up ready to face the day.
4. **Healthier Relationship With Food**: Extra weight often comes with an unhealthy relationship with food, where eating becomes a response to emotions like happiness, sadness, or boredom. After losing weight, you’ll likely develop a healthier attitude towards eating, enjoying food without guilt, and being open to healthier choices that were previously off your radar.
5. **Boosted Confidence and Happiness**: One of the best outcomes of losing weight is the boost in confidence. Overweight people often struggle with low self-worth, leading to poor relationships and even depression. According to a 2011 study in the International Journal of Obesity, those who join weight-loss programs tend to experience less depression and more confidence, as taking charge of your weight can make you feel more in control of your life and abilities.
Now, you might be wondering how to achieve weight loss. While there’s no magic solution, the basic idea is to burn more calories than you consume through exercise and a low-calorie diet. These changes can be tough, but the right diet pill can help you through the hardest parts.
To stay motivated, find support from friends and set realistic goals. Make exercise enjoyable so it’s something you look forward to, and remember to stay positive. Aim for the Mayo Clinic’s recommended weight loss target of one to two pounds per week, and you’ll be on a manageable path to a healthier you.