Health Benefits of Losing Weight

by Annetherese McCorkell. There are many health benefits of losing weight, and I can attest to that from personal experence. Over the last year, since changing my diet to one that includes servings of at least two to three vegetables per day, several fruits per day, and switching to whole grain breads and pastas, I have lost thirty-five pounds.

Blood Pressure Went Down

My blood pressure, which had begun to be about 150/110, went down to the normal range.

Blood Sugar Went Down

My blood sugar was too high for a few months, but after losing about fifteen pounds and switching from a higher sugar diet to fresh fruit with only small portions of sugar-free desserts, my blood sugar returned to the normal range.

Cholesterol Went Down

My overall cholesterol, which had gone up to 226, returned to under 188 once I lost the weight.

Energy Increased

I began to have enough energy to take a daily thirty to sixty-minute walk plus I did thirty minutes of gentle yoga daily after several months on my improved diet and having lost about ten percent of my starting weight.

Improved Outlook On Life

I felt much happier, as though I had a new lease on life, instead of feeling depressed.

My Clothing Size Decreased

I went from a size 3X in some styles to L! I love buying new clothing items especially because there are many more stylish clothes, and they often cost less in the smaller size. When even some 3X clothes started to be too small for me, I remember telling my husband that they must have been cheaply made and not true-to-size.

I realize that this is a new lifestyle that I am following, and I never will let myself go back to being a 3X size and having to take more medications. I feel so much happier, and my hubby thinks I look really "hot" now!

If I can lose at least ten percent of my original weight, about twenty-three pounds, then I believe anyone can! I've now lost thirty-five pounds and intend to continue to lose more weight so that I can bring my BMI to a healthy range. This should protect me from Diabetes, High Cholesterol and High Blood Pressure and many other diseases. Although losing weight doesn't guarantee that I will never get a serious disease, it increases my chances of staying healthy!

There are many diets that are currently popular and should work, but be sure that your doctor monitors you during weight loss. You can opt to join a program or buy a book and follow the guidelines. Several of my doctors recommended Weight Watchers for me because it had worked for me when I followed it before, and they said it is a healthy program. You have to really want to lose weight and be healthy, and there is no magic potion to make you feel that way. Even losing only ten percent of your weight should bring you positive health benefits and a more positive outlook on life. You should reward yourself for reaching small goals that you set along the way. Journaling is also very helpful. It also helps to measure your food so that if a portion is half cup, you know that's exactly what you're getting. Sparkpeople.com is a helpful site for blogging and meeting friends who are losing weight, and they have food and exercise trackers that you can use for free.