Most people, when asked about their reason for wanting to lose weight, will mention poor health. Indeed, almost 90% of those who are overweight or obese cite health issues as the primary reason for their condition. The causes of obesity are many and varied, ranging from diabetes to heart disease to cancer. These are all serious conditions, and they can all be life-threatening. That is the reason why doctors and scientists devote so much time to trying to understand the root causes of obesity and coming up with effective and safe ways to combat it.
But what about those who want to lose weight for other reasons? What about those who want to shed some pounds because they feel it’s an attractive look? If you are among this group, then you might be wondering if there is really a connection between weight loss and improved health. The answer is yes, but the relationship is more nuanced than you might think. In this article, we will discuss some of the known health benefits of weight loss, as well as how to achieve it. We will focus on the use of Wellbutrin, though the information discussed may also be relevant to the use of other medications for weight loss.
Health Benefits Of Weight Loss
There are a host of known health advantages to losing weight. For example, research shows that it can actually improve the functioning of your heart and your blood vessels. In addition, it can increase your life expectancy and reduce your risk of developing illnesses like diabetes and cancer. Furthermore, studies have shown that it can improve your mood and boost your self-confidence. Here are just a few of the known benefits of losing weight:
Improves Heart Function
If you are among the 90% of overweight or obese people who cite poor heart health as the main reason for their weight condition, then you should definitely try to lose some pounds. The good news is that research shows that getting rid of at least a little bit of your excess pounds can actually improve the function of your heart and blood vessels. This is especially beneficial because high blood pressure, which leads to heart disease and stroke, can be improved by weight loss.
One theory about why this is so is that when you are carrying more weight than is healthy, it compresses your blood vessels. When this happens, the blood flow is hampered, causing damage to your blood vessels and putting you at risk of cardiovascular disease. On the other hand, when your blood vessels are stretched, they can better handle the flow of blood. This theory has been partially proven through studies and research, which have shown that engaging in weight loss activities can significantly improve your blood pressure and reduce your risk of developing heart disease and stroke. Some of the popular weight loss medications, such as Wellbutrin, can also be used to improve the function of your heart. As you may have guessed, Wellbutrin stands for “Wellbegoneit” in a not-so-friendly chat.
Lowers Diabetes Risk
Type 2 diabetes is one of the most common and devastating conditions that affect people. It is caused by insulin resistance, which means that the body does not produce enough of its own insulin or does not react properly to the insulin it does produce. The more you weigh, the greater your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. For this reason, many people who are obese are also at an increased risk for type 2 diabetes.
But getting rid of just a little bit of your excess weight can help reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes, though it will not totally eliminate it. Studies have shown that individuals who lose at least 10% of their body weight are at a significantly lower risk for type 2 diabetes than those who maintain a normal weight. Also, research has shown that losing weight can improve your blood sugar levels, further lowering your diabetes risk. Some individuals with type 2 diabetes have been able to achieve good control of their condition by losing weight and following a healthy diet.
Lowers Cancer Risk
While weight loss in and of itself does not necessarily reduce your risk of cancer, it can certainly improve your odds. Like type 2 diabetes, obesity is also associated with an increased risk of cancer. However, unlike type 2 diabetes, the association between obesity and cancer is not clear-cut. Some studies have shown a direct link between obesity and certain types of cancer, notably Colon Cancer and Breast Cancer. Others have not found the same connection.
However, there is broad agreement that being overweight or obese can increase your risk of developing many types of cancer, especially gastrointestinal cancer. Furthermore, some studies have shown that losing weight can reduce this risk. For this reason, many doctors and scientists recommend that individuals with a family history of cancer lose weight and take measures to combat their condition. Some evidence even suggests that individuals with type 2 diabetes and cancer might benefit from combining their treatment regimens.
Improves Mood And Confidence
There is also some evidence to suggest that losing weight can improve your mood and confidence. One study from the University of Copenhagen looked at the effects of weight loss on the cognition and behavior of obese men and women who were participating in a behavioral weight loss program. The researchers measured the participants’ confidence before and after they lost weight, as well as their levels of depression and anxiety. What they found was that after participating in the weight loss program, the participants reported a significant increase in their confidence and a significant decrease in their feelings of depression and anxiety. Based on this evidence, it seems reasonable to conclude that losing weight can improve your mood and confidence.
Longer Life
Last but not least, we have the issue of increased life expectancy. Studies have shown that losing weight can help individuals live longer. For example, research conducted at the Harvard School of Public Health determined that an individual’s chances of living to 100 years old are increased by 40% for every 10-pound weight loss. Furthermore, a 10% weight loss can increase your life expectancy by five years! In general, people who are overweight and obese tend to have higher levels of stress and anxiety. This, in turn, can contribute to their shortened life expectancy. However, research shows that participating in a weight loss program can significantly improve these individuals’ quality of life and let them live longer and more comfortably. Some individuals with type 2 diabetes have been able to control their condition by losing weight and following a healthy diet. Dieting can also help raise your insulin sensitivity, which in turn can increase your body’s ability to utilize the glucose in carbohydrates for energy. This, in turn, can improve your health and let you live longer. So while it is true that losing weight can help you look and feel better, it can also have several important health benefits.
One important thing to keep in mind is that while there are solid scientific data to support the health advantages of losing weight, this does not mean that every individual will experience these advantages. Just because a medication or dietary supplement can help you lose weight does not mean that it will be able to give you the same advantages that you might experience from a weight loss surgery. Ultimately, losing weight is not a panacea for health-related problems. This is why it is always preferable to try and find a healthier option, even if this means sacrificing some of the immediate aesthetic benefits.