9 Ways Losing Weight Enhances Quality of Life

Weight loss and obesity are highly debated topics today. Some hold distorted views of the ideal body shape, while others dismiss concerning or contradictory scientific evidence. Many people find themselves somewhere between these extremes.

Scientifically, being overweight, particularly obesity, is hazardous. It increases the risk of numerous health issues. Often, individuals don't realize what they're missing if they haven't been a healthy weight for some time.

But are these reasons compelling enough to endure the strenuous and sometimes disheartening process of shedding those extra pounds? That's for you to decide. Here are nine ways losing weight can enhance your life quality.

1.    LESS RESPIRATORY DIFFICULTIES

The more you weigh, the greater your risk of developing asthma, a correlation not fully understood but believed to be due to excess midsection weight compressing lung volume, impairing respiratory function.

If you're asthmatic and overweight but aiming for a healthier weight, consider gentle exercises like racquet sports, volleyball, and gymnastics that are easier on the lungs. Keep in mind:

• Opt for activities demanding short energy bursts.
• Avoid constant energy-demanding activities.
• Stay positive; the lighter you are, the easier it becomes to exercise.

Losing just ten pounds can significantly improve life for those with respiratory issues like allergies and asthma. Remember, don't push too hard – gradual progress is key.

2.    FEWER MIGRAINES

Migraines can be incapacitating, disrupting productivity and stripping away positivity. In some instances, they can leave a person utterly incapacitated. For those who are overweight, losing weight may alter the experience of migraines. Several studies have demonstrated this connection:

"Migraine and Obesity: Epidemiology, Possible Mechanisms, and the Potential Role of Weight Loss Treatment" in Obesity Reviews (2011). This study suggests a strong association between migraines and obesity, with various factors increasing the risk of these conditions co-occurring.

"Behavioral Weight Loss Intervention for Migraine: A Randomized Controlled Trial" in Obesity (2017). This research indicated that women who modified their diet and exercised to lose weight reported a reduction in both the frequency and severity of migraines.

"For migraine sufferers with obesity, losing weight can decrease headaches," published by The Endocrine Society (2019). This conclusion comes from a meta-analysis indicating that weight loss, achieved either surgically or through lifestyle modifications, can lessen the intensity, duration, and frequency of migraines.

3.    FOOD TASTES BETTER

Indeed, it's true! Being overweight can reduce the sensitivity of your taste buds, which means you'll taste less of what you eat. Ironically, it seems that eating less could potentially enhance how your tongue perceives flavors. This is a finding from researchers studying body weight regulation and its association with obesity.

But what causes this? Currently, there's no definitive answer, but the theory is that it's related to hormonal changes. The excess hormones that are released when you're overweight might interfere with or dull the communication between the receptors and the brain.

Should you shed the excess weight, you might discover a newfound appreciation for foods that previously didn't appeal to you. Conversely, foods that you once craved may become too intense in flavor and harder to enjoy.

4. BETTER MEMORY

Have you ever wished for a better memory? Studies suggest that weight loss might aid in this. Being overweight can lead to a reduction in the size of the temporal lobe, which is crucial for memory, thus impairing perception and making it easier to forget things.

"Improved Memory Function 12 Weeks after Bariatric Surgery" in Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases (2010) observed that bariatric surgery not only significantly aids in weight loss but also reduces inflammation that could damage the brain. Researchers are optimistic that weight loss through other methods could yield similar benefits.

"Weight loss improves memory and alters brain activity in overweight women," published by the Endocrine Society (2013), reports that women who lost weight through dieting over six months showed changes in brain activity in areas involved in memory tasks.

"Improved Memory Function Two Years After Bariatric Surgery" in Obesity (2013) found that post-bariatric surgery patients with reduced BMI had lower inflammation and insulin resistance levels, factors that researchers believe are key in cognitive function and memory.

5.    REPRODUCTIVE FUNCTION

Obesity is associated with numerous hormonal changes and difficulties. Conditions like PCOS, which are fairly common in overweight women, can severely affect fertility and make conception challenging. Obese women who undergo IVF also face increased risks, including:

• A decreased chance of carrying a baby to term or a higher risk of miscarriage
• A reduced likelihood of becoming pregnant using IVF techniques
• An elevated risk of complications during pregnancy

Moreover, studies have indicated that obese women tend to have longer labor times during childbirth. While many mothers consider the additional time worthwhile for the sake of their child, it is nonetheless inconvenient. The increased pain and risk of complications contribute to the anxiety surrounding this fact.

6. BETTER LIBIDO AND INTIMACY

Weight loss can enhance libido and the desire for intimacy. Research shows that individuals often experience an increased sexual drive after bariatric surgery, an effect that can last up to five years. This may be attributed to:

• Improved self-esteem
• Enhanced stamina and satisfaction
• A lower risk of erectile dysfunction due to improved blood flow

7. LESS KNEE PAIN

Knee pain is commonly observed in individuals who are overweight. Numerous studies have established a link between obesity and osteoarthritis. Weight loss can alleviate the stress on joints, thereby reducing the risk of this degenerative condition. Here are some key points regarding obesity and osteoarthritis that you should be aware of:

·         PRESSURE

Individuals of a healthy weight experience an absorption of approximately 1.5 pounds of pressure in their knees with each step. This significant pressure is a reason why even those of healthy weight may suffer from knee pain. Being overweight increases the risk of joint misalignment and adds even more pressure on your knees.

·         INFLAMMATION

Fat continuously releases proteins that promote inflammation, leading to a state of chronic inflammation that impacts various health aspects. This persistent inflammation can heighten the risk of developing osteoarthritis in the joints.

·         PROGRESSION

The progression of osteoarthritis can be significantly more rapid and severe in obese individuals. Overweight people are also at a higher likelihood of needing knee or hip surgeries, which can lead to additional complications.

8.    IMPROVED POSITIVE THINKING

The Obesity Action Coalition recently conducted a study revealing the significant boost in positive thinking that can result from weight loss. Often, when feeling low, simply engaging in self-improvement can enhance self-esteem, mood, and increase hormones such as endorphins.

It's important to recognize, however, that weight loss is not a cure for depression. While some may claim that depression can be overcome with sufficient effort, this is not the case. Nevertheless, weight loss may alleviate some symptoms of depression. For those with milder forms of depression, it could be enough to make a notable difference in their well-being.

9. LOWER RISK FOR LIFE-THREATENING DISEASES

Many individuals who are overweight or obese worry about their risk of developing life-threatening diseases. This concern is well-founded. Losing weight can reduce the risk of conditions such as:

· HEART DISEASE

Carrying excess weight significantly strains the heart, which must work harder to pump blood throughout the body. The link between cardiovascular issues and obesity is so strong that numerous studies have concluded that obesity contributes to increased heart strain.

· NONALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE

The term refers to liver diseases not primarily caused by alcohol consumption. Various non-alcoholic liver diseases have been linked to obesity through research.

CANCER

Obesity is recognized as a risk factor for cancer. The higher incidence of cancer in overweight individuals is thought to be due to pathogenic factors like cellular communication, oxidative stress, and hypoxia, which may promote the growth of cancer cells.

Understanding the benefits of weight loss is crucial, but the process is often easier said than done. Be patient with yourself as progress can be slow, and don't feel guilty about setbacks; they happen to everyone.

If you're finding it difficult to lose weight or are unsure about the health risks of your weight, consulting a doctor for professional medical advice is advisable.

Lastly, aim to lose weight for the right reasons. Seeking attractiveness for others may not be the most sustainable motivation. Instead, love yourself enough to undertake the challenging journey of weight loss to improve your health, which is a truly admirable goal.

Source: www.powerofpositivity.com