If you want to lose weight in a healthy way, then the start of a New Year is a great time to start working towards your new goal. You may decide to join the gym, go on a healthy diet, cut out booze or even join a local weight loss program. Whatever your chosen method, there are plenty of good reasons to shift those extra pounds.
Below could be the motivation you need to stay on the path to a healthier new you…
For Your Mental Health & Well-Being
A good reason to lose weight is to improve your mental health and well-being. Research shows that following a healthy diet and shedding just 5-10% of your body weight can make you feel much better in yourself and has multiple health benefits, including:
- Better sleep
- Less joint pain
- More energy
- Increased sex drive
- Better mood
- Clearer skin
If you’re overweight and have been feeling a bit blue, or depressed, try losing some weight and see if that changes your mood. Of course, it won’t happen over night. However, it’s amazing how nutritious food and a little exercise can improve your overall mental well-being.
For Your Physical Health
Dropping to a healthy weight will also help to reduce your risk of developing weight-related health conditions in the future, such as:
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Cancer
And it will make it easier for your body to fight against illnesses. If you currently have one of the above conditions, then now is a great reason to make healthier choices. Physical exercise will help to lower your blood pressure and a nutritious diet will help to lower your cholesterol.
In the UK, overweight men are more likely to suffer from heart disease and stroke than overweight women. Plus, men with a high BMI are at higher risk of other serious health conditions such as chronic kidney disease and lung disease (COPD) – highlighting the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle.
Ultimately, losing weight can make a huge difference to your overall health and can add years on to your life expectancy. Who doesn’t want to live a fuller and longer life?
Women’s Health (PCOS)
What you might not be aware of is that losing some excess weight can also help with issues such as PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome). A hormonal condition that affects women of reproductive age – until they reach menopause.
PCOS is one of the main causes of infertility in women. While PCOS is a chronic disease and can’t be cured completely, there are things you can do to help manage symptoms.
Here are some things to know about PCOS and how weight loss might be able to help…
- Women with type 2 diabetes are at higher risk. Type 2 diabetes can be caused due to – being overweight or not getting enough exercise.
- Due to PCOS being associated with being overweight and having a resistance to insulin, you are at an increased risk of developing diabetes later in life if your weight isn’t managed. So, a healthy lifestyle and maintaining a healthy body weight can help reduce the risk of further health problems.
To Inspire Others
Another good reason to lose weight (in a healthy way) is to set a good example for your kids.
If you want them to eat a healthy diet and get plenty of exercise, then the best way to inspire them is to do these things yourself. Not only will you reap the benefits of having a slimmer frame, but you can also get the whole family on board with a healthier lifestyle.
Heading outside for a walk, kicking a ball around at the park and cooking a healthy meal are all fun activities that you can do together on a regular basis to support each other on the journey.
Plus, quality time spent with your kids is really important for creating a happy and wholesome family home – of which the benefits are endless! If you’re a parent, making positive changes to lose weight in the new year can mean great rewards for you and your kids.
To Save Money
It may be surprising but losing weight could save you money. But why? Firstly, because you’ll be eating fewer calories which means less money spent at the supermarket. You’re also more likely to cook a meal at home which is much cheaper than eating out at a restaurant or getting a takeaway.
Secondly, as your health improves, you’ll probably spend less on prescriptions. And, finally, losing weight also means you’ll save money on things like life insurance.
Those who are overweight and obese are likely to pay more for life cover than people who are a healthier weight. After trimming down, with the extra cash you’ve saved on food and healthcare, you’ll have more money to spend on your family, including getting them the right financial protection if anything should happen to you.
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