The benefits of weight loss

A member asked me recently if I had anything on weight loss and blood pressure, that led me to think that I needed to do a post on the benefits of weight loss. Aside from feeling better about yourself, which many find is the most obvious change there are lots of other benefits. 

Cholesterol

There are two types of cholesterol which are mentioned when talking about cholesterol, LDL is the type known to be harmful, HDL is less discussed but is what is considered good cholesterol.  Decreasing LDL is important, while increasing HDL is good though not easy. 

Losing around 5-10% of your body weight is enough to increase HDL by around 5 points, it is also show to decrease LDL by as much as 40 points. 

Blood Pressure

Just losing around 5-10% of your body weight can lead to reduction of 5mmHg, reducing salt, increasing fruit and veg intake and switching to low fat dairy can make this reduction even greater. 

Weight loss is also shown to help improve back pain, sleep apnoea, contribute towards preventing angina, improve mobility and even reduce blood sugar. For more information on this and other information on blood pressure, weight loss and blood sugar reduction check out the links below. 

Weight Watchers - The benefits of losing 5%

Benefits of 5-10 Percent Weight-loss - Obesity Action Coalition

NHS - Lower Your Cholesterol

Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes

Improve your NHS Health Check numbers

Picture by George Hodan