Every beginning of the year, thousands of people commit to better weight management as their new year’s resolution. Some do it to look good, but many want to watch their weight to improve their overall health.
Doctors agree that proper weight management can improve several aspects of your overall well-being and is, thus, a prescription for good health. To convince you to take the step to a healthier you, let’s talk about the benefits of managing your weight.
Lower Your Risk of Developing Health Problems
Being overweight or underweight puts you at risk of developing health issues and complications.
Doctors often warn individuals with excess weight about their potential health risks. They are more prone to heart problems such as coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke. Sleep apnea is another related health concern tied to excess weight. If you are overweight or obese, you are also more susceptible to developing osteoarthritis and diabetes, which comes with complications such as nerve damage and atherosclerosis.
On the other side of the weight spectrum, some people believe that being underweight isn’t as unhealthy as being overweight. However, it can lead to vitamin deficiencies, malnutrition, and anemia. Osteoporosis may also develop from a lack of calcium and vitamin D. Being underweight can also lead to a weakened immune system, which may become incapable of fighting off diseases.
You can improve your chances of avoiding these conditions by maintaining a healthy weight.
Improve Your Current Health Conditions
Aside from a lower risk of developing diseases, staying within a healthy weight range can improve the symptoms of some preexisting health conditions.
For instance, patients with diabetes will significantly benefit from proper weight management. Losing even a few pounds can substantially improve the body’s response to insulin. As a result, you can have better control over your blood glucose levels.
Similarly, those with arthritis may alleviate some pressure on their joints when they lose weight. It also lessens inflammation and improves joint function. While weight management isn’t always the only solution, it can provide significant relief from symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Sleep Better
Healthy weight loss and management can also improve your overall health by allowing you to get better quality sleep. Studies show that losing some extra pounds can reduce your risk for sleep apnea, a sleeping problem that causes your breathing to repeatedly pause and start during slumber.
Research also shows that shedding some weight and belly fat can significantly improve your sleep. Patients who have sleep apnea and insomnia or those who experience daytime fatigue or restless sleep can sleep better with proper weight management.
Medical Weight Loss and Management in South Carolina
Losing or gaining weight shouldn’t only be about your looks. You should place more importance on proper weight management as a way of committing to good health. Not only does it lower your potential of developing health problems, but it also helps manage symptoms of current or underlying medical conditions. It likewise allows you to get quality, restful sleep.
However, managing your weight can be challenging. Some have trouble shedding pounds, while others find it challenging to gain weight. Weight management isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our team at SC Internal Medicine Associates & Rehabilitation understands that. We tailor our treatment plan to every individual who visits our clinic. We’ll help you build a personalized meal plan, analyze your body composition, and coach you on healthy lifestyle choices.
Schedule a visit to our office in Irmo, South Carolina, by calling (803) 749-1111 or through our online appointment request form. We look forward to guiding you on the road to better health through weight management.
