The Top 5 Health Benefits of Losing Weight Under Medical Supervision

Many people make appointments with a weight loss center because they want to look better. There is nothing wrong with using appearance as a motivator for losing weight. However, in addition to looking better after losing excess weight, most people find that their general health improves as well. In fact, the health benefits of losing weight can be dramatic and life changing. Here are the top 5 health benefits of losing weight through a medical weight loss program. 

To Lower Blood Pressure

A 2013 study published in the medical journal Hypertension showed that weight loss leads to lower blood pressure in overweight individuals. Combining weight loss with restriction of sodium (salt) is even more effective at controlling high blood pressure. Earlier studies have shown that losing even 10 pounds can reduce high blood pressure and prevent hypertension in overweight people.

To Reduce LDL Cholesterol Levels

Numerous studies have been conducted over the years on how loss of excess weight affects cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Weight reduction lowers both total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, which is considered the “bad” type of cholesterol. Weight loss also lowers triglyceride levels. A Healthy diet that includes low levels of saturated fat and sufficient levels of soluble fiber can make a real difference in LDL levels. In fact, weight loss and diet alone can reduce LDL by up to 20%.

To Better Glucose Tolerance

Many overweight and obese individuals have impaired glucose tolerance, which can lead to diabetes. Simply losing weight improves glucose tolerance, but when increased physical activity is part of the weight loss program, glucose tolerance improves even more, and insulin in the body works better. The result is lower risk of diabetes.

To Lower Risk for Cardiovascular Disease

According to the American Heart Association, the more excess weight a person carries, the higher the risk of heart disease. Excess weight and obesity are also associated with higher cholesterol and triglycerides, which also affect heart health. A study published in the journal Circulation found that even people with healthy hearts may impair their heart’s ability to pump blood by carrying extra weight.

To Lower Risk for Depression and Anxiety

When weight is lost through modification of lifestyle habits, mood can improve. Integration of increased physical activity into a person’s lifestyle appears to be an important factor in improving mood. Fad diets and drastic weight loss measures can actually make people feel worse, even if they lose weight. Losing weight with the help of a medically supervised weight loss center involves positive lifestyle changes designed to improve many aspects of life, including a sense of well-being.

Medical weight loss programs are tailored to each individual patient based on his or her medical history, weight loss goals, and lifestyle. Many people who lose weight notice that their overall health and outlook on life improves once they reach and maintain a healthier weight.

Author

Dr. Charles Goldsmith Dr. Charles Goldsmith started his career as an OB/GYN over 30 years ago. He ran a successful practice but noticed his clients consistently requesting assistance with weight loss. After countless hours of research and studying the numerous aspects of weight loss, Dr. Goldsmith determined that weight loss is very complex and needed to be supervised by a physician.