Obesity Happens One Pound at a Time Obesity Happens One Pound at a Time
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute

Your weight may be affecting you more than you may think.

Even a few extra pounds each year can affect your quality of life. There are many benefits to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight that will improve your health and life in the short-term. These include:

If you are overweight or obese, losing weight and being physically active can help you control your blood sugar levels. Weight loss of at least 5 percent of your body weight may decrease stress on your knees, hips, and lower back. Weight loss often improves sleep apnea.

Not only can extra weight cause joint pain, it can lead to serious chronic diseases. If you are overweight or obese, losing just 5 to 10 percent of your weight can lower your chances of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, or having a stroke. Other long-term health benefits of having a healthy weight include:

Reducing your risk of developing some forms of cancer. Lowering your risk for developing gallstones and fatty liver disease.

Losing weight can improve your lifestyle.

Setting goals and making small changes to your lifestyle to balance the calories you consume through healthy eating with those you use in physical activity is an effective way to manage your weight. Losing even a few pounds can make a big difference to your health now and later. Slow and steady weight loss of one-half to two pounds per week, and not more than three pounds per week, is the safest way to lose weight.

This easy-to-use BMI Calculator will help you to better understand your overweight and obesity-related health risks. Wouldn’t you like to drop that extra weight and stop picking up more? Take the first step by making a plan to begin shedding those extra pounds. Eating right is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Learn how to reduce calories, control your portions, and plan nutritious, balanced meals that can give you the energy you need to do the things you love most. Staying active is a great way to improve your lifestyle. Even making small changes to your routine like incorporating 30 minutes of moderate physical activity at least 5 days a week can have a big impact on your health. Learn how physical activity can help to improve your physical fitness, balance, and ability to do everyday activities.


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