Eight Reasons to Maintain a Healthy Weight

Everyone has heard that the number of Americans who are overweight or even obese is rising rapidly. The news media focuses on the growing national health issue almost everyday and it's a fact that more of us are overweight than ever before. Our fast food society, on-the-go-lifestyles, and lack of exercise are just a few of the contributing factors. Maintaining a healthy weight can be a life saver so if the scale shows more pounds that necessary, it's time to take off pounds to stay healthy. Some of the benefits of a healthy weight include:

• A longer, healthier life. Studies show that maintaining a body mass index (BMI) at 24.9 or less can add up to eight years. The reason is that individuals with healthy weights avoid many of the diseases that shorten an average lifespan.

• Stay fertile longer. As increasing numbers of couples choose to wait to start a family, many find that being overweight decreases the chance for conception. Extra pounds affect estrogen levels which can limit or even halt ovulation so keeping a healthy weight can help to conceive that bundle of joy!

• Enjoy more sex. Most obese individuals suffer from a lack of interest in sex and sex related problems that can include impotence or frigidity. A healthy weight can improve and even eliminate such problems.

• Lower blood pressure. Losing weight helps lower the load on the heart and blood flow which lowers blood pressure. Since high blood pressure can lead to serious health complications, lowering blood pressure is the way to go and is much easier with a healthy weight.

• Prevent heart disease. Overweight and obese adults are four times more likely to be hospitalized for heart problems or to suffer a fatal heart attack.

• Avoid diabetes. Adult onset diabetes is at record levels. Losing weight can not only reduce blood sugar but may also prevent kidney or heart damage.

• Skip breast cancer. Overweight women diagnosed with breast cancer are one and a half times more likely to die from the disease than slimmer women. Weight gained after a breast cancer diagnosis increases the chances even more.

• Get a good night's sleep. Overweight individuals often don't sleep well. It's harder to get comfortable with a larger body mass and sleep apnea - a condition in which an individual stops breathing - can be serious. Losing just ten pounds can cut the risk of sleep apnea by up to 30%.

Although it's much easier to pack on pounds than to shed weight, it is possible. The best way to begin is with a trip to the doctor's office for a full physical check-up and diet suggestions. There are many different diet methods and finding the right method for an individual life style can make success much simpler. Low fat diets, low carb plans, and traditional diets are all a possibility. Shed the pounds and enjoy the increased healthy benefits!