Beyond the Scale: 7 Important Health Benefits of Weight Loss

Losing weight isn’t just about fitting into a smaller pair of pants or reaching a certain number on the scale 一 although those are exciting milestones worth celebrating! Losing weight provides several important health benefits. 

If losing weight is part of your New Year’s resolutions, let Dr. Asif Aziz and Guiselle Berry, FNP, help you reach your health and wellness goals. Our team offers medically supervised weight loss programs at Elite Primary Care, PA, in Greenville, Texas. Here are seven benefits of weight loss beyond the scale.

1. Reduce your risk of serious health conditions

Weight gain is linked to dozens of health conditions, and some of them can lead to serious (and sometimes fatal) complications, such as heart attacks and strokes.

Losing weight can reduce your risk of:

• Heart disease 
• Certain cancers, including breast, colon, and ovarian cancer
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
• Osteoarthritis 
• Sleep apnea
• Dementia 

Even modest weight loss can help reduce your risk of these serious conditions. For example, researchers found that women over age 50 who lost 2.2 kilograms (about 5 pounds) lowered their risk of breast cancer slightly, and sustaining a 9-kilogram weight loss (about 20 pounds) reduced the risk by 32%.

2. Help you manage underlying conditions

Weight loss can lead to improved heart health by reducing blood pressure, lowering cholesterol levels, and decreasing the strain on your heart. These changes contribute to a reduced risk of heart disease and related complications. 

In some cases, losing weight — especially when paired with a healthy diet and regular exercise — can help you avoid the use of medications for these conditions.

3. Support joint health

Carrying excess weight places additional stress on joints, particularly in your knees, hips, and lower back. Weight loss reduces the load on these joints, alleviates pain, and improves mobility. 

This is especially beneficial if you have osteoarthritis. Losing weight now could even help you avoid joint replacement surgeries in the future.

4. Improve your sleep quality

Weight loss has been linked to improvements in sleep quality. Conditions like sleep apnea, often associated with excess weight, may see significant improvement or resolution. 

Better sleep not only enhances your overall wellness, but it also supports weight loss efforts by regulating hormones that influence appetite.

5. Increase your energy levels

Carrying excess weight can lead to fatigue and a feeling of sluggishness. Weight loss, combined with a healthy diet and regular physical activity, boosts energy levels and enhances overall vitality. Increased energy makes it easier to engage in daily activities and exercise.

6. Improve your mental health

There’s a strong connection between weight and mental health. Depression is a risk factor for being overweight, and being overweight can play a role in depression. Weight loss can help you break through the vicious cycle. 

Exercise and losing weight positively impacts your mood and self-esteem. Physical activity releases endorphins, known as "feel-good" hormones. The combination of activity plus weight loss contributes to a more positive outlook and reduced feelings of stress and anxiety.

As you shed pounds and start to feel more comfortable in your body, your self-esteem may also skyrocket.

7. Improve your fertility

Obesity can affect fertility in both men and women. In men, carrying excess weight can affect sperm quantity and quality; in women, obesity can lead to hormonal imbalance and anovulatory menstrual cycles.

Losing weight can help restore hormonal balance, improve your reproductive health, and increase your chances of conception.

Reach your weight loss goals with medical weight loss 

Our team at Elite Primary Care, PA, uses evidence-based practices to help you lose weight quickly but safely.  We use a four-part weight loss program that includes:

• Tailored exercise programs
• Food plans that are nutrient-dense yet low-calorie
• Prescription medications (appetite suppressants)
• Behavioral counseling

We provide support and accountability through all phases of weight loss, from your initial weight loss to your transition phase to your maintenance phase.

Dr. Aziz can also help you manage chronic conditions like diabetes that may be improved with weight loss.

Ready to get started on reaping the benefits of better health? Give us a call at 903-437-9212 or use our online booking to schedule your medical weight loss consultation.