You've heard the old expression, "You can't see the forest for the trees." It can mean getting caught up in the details and not seeing the bigger picture, which can easily happen with weight loss and fitness efforts if you're not careful. An example might be setting a goal of losing 40 pounds, but becoming frustrated because you've only lost four.
Take heart, however: even shedding small amounts of weight has been scientifically shown to have positive effects on your body. As one study showed, even losing just five percent of your body weight is enough to decrease total body fat, decrease the visceral fat that's around your organs, and decrease liver fat. It can also lower your blood pressure and decrease your risk for getting type 2 diabetes.
Here are some major benefits of even modest weight loss.
1. Improved Heart Health
We all know the dangers of high cholesterol and its link to greater heart attack risk, but studies have shown that even modest weight loss can decrease cholesterol scores. And a five percent decrease in body weight results in lower levels of triglycerides, which are a type of fat linked to heart disease.
2. Improved Mood
Being in a better mood can make everything in life seem easier — and losing weight can improve your mood and help you sleep better. In fact, sleeping better was a big factor as one study showed that people who lost five percent of their body weight logged over 20 minutes more sleep per night than those who hadn't.
3. Decreased Inflammation
Weight loss has been associated with decreased inflammation, and inflammation is a hot topic these days. Why? Because having chronic inflammation can increase your risk for disease, including heart disease and stroke. Losing even a modest amount of weight can be enough to reduce inflammation and enhance immune function.
4. Improved Joint Function
It's no secret that excess weight puts more wear and tear on your joints and knee cartilage, which in turn leads to osteoarthritis. Research showed that losing just 11 pounds can decrease your risk of getting osteoarthritis.
5. You Live Better
We've already discussed how weight loss can improve your mood and sleep patterns, but studies show that people who lost five to 10 percent of their body weight also scored higher when it came to physical function and self-esteem.
The Downtown Athletic Club of Amarillo can help you reach your fitness and health goals. The DAC is an upscale club with the latest in exercise equipment, as well as professional trainers who are available seven days a week.
Take heart, however: even shedding small amounts of weight has been scientifically shown to have positive effects on your body. As one study showed, even losing just five percent of your body weight is enough to decrease total body fat, decrease the visceral fat that's around your organs, and decrease liver fat. It can also lower your blood pressure and decrease your risk for getting type 2 diabetes.
Here are some major benefits of even modest weight loss.
1. Improved Heart Health
We all know the dangers of high cholesterol and its link to greater heart attack risk, but studies have shown that even modest weight loss can decrease cholesterol scores. And a five percent decrease in body weight results in lower levels of triglycerides, which are a type of fat linked to heart disease.
2. Improved Mood
Being in a better mood can make everything in life seem easier — and losing weight can improve your mood and help you sleep better. In fact, sleeping better was a big factor as one study showed that people who lost five percent of their body weight logged over 20 minutes more sleep per night than those who hadn't.
3. Decreased Inflammation
Weight loss has been associated with decreased inflammation, and inflammation is a hot topic these days. Why? Because having chronic inflammation can increase your risk for disease, including heart disease and stroke. Losing even a modest amount of weight can be enough to reduce inflammation and enhance immune function.
4. Improved Joint Function
It's no secret that excess weight puts more wear and tear on your joints and knee cartilage, which in turn leads to osteoarthritis. Research showed that losing just 11 pounds can decrease your risk of getting osteoarthritis.
5. You Live Better
We've already discussed how weight loss can improve your mood and sleep patterns, but studies show that people who lost five to 10 percent of their body weight also scored higher when it came to physical function and self-esteem.
The Downtown Athletic Club of Amarillo can help you reach your fitness and health goals. The DAC is an upscale club with the latest in exercise equipment, as well as professional trainers who are available seven days a week.
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