How To Reduce My Health Risk With Weight Loss- Don's Story
See the link below for the interview video RXHealthyHabits did with Don Petrie. Don is a friend, client, and business associate of ours. It’s a remarkable story and one that will inspire you to pursue your journey if you also need to reduce your specific health risks.
Will weight loss make that much difference to my overall health? The answer is an overwhelming YES!
So what is the “skinny” on the health benefits of even modest weight loss in reducing your health risks? Not only is it real, but even small weight loss has major benefits, according to experts. You can read our blog below for some highlights and review the references we cited that spell it out in more detail. Let us help you get on your way to regaining your health!
Some weight loss may indeed result in benefits right away. This is well documented by multiple studies and credible references.
A modest weight loss of just 5-10% of total body weight may produce improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugars in Type 2 diabetes (CDC)
So, say you are at 200 pounds, then you drop to 190 or 180 pounds. You may still be overweight or obese, but this drop in weight will pay dividends. It is a journey to a weight BMI of 24.5, but you are on the way. You and your physician may notice a few changes in your numbers and labs, this will start trending in a better direction with even this 5-10%. That is a considerable step! Well done. Keep it going!
Get the weight off with a habit of watching your dietary intake and mild to moderate exercise, and then keep it off with sustained physical activity habits (and still be mindful of calorie intake.) Maintaining this healthier lifestyle will keep you from being overweight or obese over time
Here are five health conditions that you (and your physician) may be able to tackle with weight loss. More obesity-associated diseases improve with weight loss but let us look at the biggies.
Diabetes
Obesity is the driving factor driving Type 2 Diabetes. With weight loss, you can lower and normalize blood glucose and possibly reduce the need for medication.
If you catch it early enough, with your physician looking at your therapy, you may be able to mitigate the disease or send the development of Type 2 Diabetes into remission. Let them make decisions and keep regular follow-up appointments and exams to see how you are progressing.
Cardiovascular disease
Cardiovascular disease is still the number one cause of death in the U.S. Reducing the risk of developing cardiovascular disease should be a top priority for all Americans beginning early in adulthood. Also, childhood obesity is on the rise and is a concern parents should have for their children when they enter adulthood. Obesity is a major risk factor we should all understand is dangerous for heart health.
Here is an excerpt that spells it our with the corresponding reference (see references below)
“Obesity causes your heart muscle to thicken in response to pumping more blood. Over time, it may lose the ability to keep up with the high demand, possibly leading to heart disease and heart failure. According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease — which includes heart disease ― is the No. 1 killer worldwide, accounting for one in three deaths.” (Family Medicine)
Weight loss offers significant improvements in cardiac risk factors, including total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood glucose.” (CDC)
High blood pressure
It is common knowledge among health professionals. Drop weight and see drops in blood pressure in many (but not all) cases; this happens so often that it will be the first change we see in weight loss because it is quick and easy to measure. Long-term hypertension or high blood pressure leads to multiple problems, including increased effort for your heart to pump blood and damage to blood vessels, arteries, and organs.
Cancer
There is an alarming increase in obesity-related cancer deaths. The cause may include chronic inflammation, an increased insulin growth factor, and higher estrogen levels. Getting weight under control may reduce your cancer risk.
Sleep Apnea
You should be aware of the many reasons to fear this one as well.
“Obstructive sleep apnea is closely linked to diabetes and obesity. If you are overweight, you probably have excess skin in the back of your throat. As you sleep, it can obstruct your airway. The interrupted breathing associated with sleep apnea also makes a target for developing other dangerous conditions like strokes and hypertension.” (Sleep Foundation and ATS Journals)
So at RXHealthyHabits, we recommend you explore how weight loss may help you reduce your health risks by doing some Google searches on your health condition or disease state. We promote a proven, science-based comprehensive weight loss program for when you are ready to explore the options.
Complete the JOT form to assess your specific needs and goals. The program we promote may or may not be a good fit for you. If it is not a good fit, we may be able to suggest some other programs to meet your needs.
Discussing your goals with your physician before you begin may be a good start. I am sure they will want to guide you every step of the way to get healthier. They always want to help patients help themselves obtain a healthier lifestyle.
Also, reach out to us via chat or email if you have questions
We hope you begin your journey soon to regain your health. We are glad we started 3&½ years ago on our journey. It has been so worth it!
Adapted From:
CDC
Family Medicine
Sleep Foundation
ATS Journals
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