The Advantages of Weight Loss Over Weight Gain

It seems like everyone is trying to lose weight—but why? Actually, there are a number of reasons why a person may want to lose weight, and these reasons are justified.  Of course, there are always the horror stories about people who fall into the traps of eating disorders and the yo-yo diet syndrome, but for the most part, losing weight is greatly to your advantage. The key part of this whole deal is to keep the weight off.

Although we have all met the very slim person who honestly thinks they are over weight and they continue to starve themselves trying to met the impossible standard of a super model, we are talking here about the person who is over weight medically.  And there too you have degrees.  Is 10 pounds something to really fret about?  Is 50 pounds really obese?

The most obvious advantage to weight loss is, of course, the health benefits. When you are heavier than normal, you put our body at risk to develop a number of disease and conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, and intestinal diseases. These can be prevented or more easily treated if you lose weight. Maintaining a healthy weight is something that you and your doctor should discuss in order to make the best decisions for your body’s health.

There are, however, other advantages as well. First and foremost has to be self-esteem. When you are in a healthy weight range, shopping for clothing is more fun and easier because you actually fit into clothing more readily and you have more variety to choose from. It can often be less expensive as well. The extra large sizes and beyond use more fabric to make, so many manufacturers raise the prices for these larger articles of clothing.

Losing weight also can teach you about healthy eating, which opens up a whole new world when it comes to food. Cooking with healthy, fresh ingredients can be fun, and it can be an activity you do with a spouse or children so that the entire family is eating more healthy foods and is focused on losing any extra weight or maintaining healthy weights. 

Then there is the energy thing.  When you are not carrying around those extra pounds, you are able to move easier, quicker and with more strength.  Just walking from one end of the house to the other is no longer a chore.  And sleeping, well that is a whole new world - now restful and healing.

The obvious reasons to lose weight are your health and your appearance. But, by breaking the whole thing down you can begin to see the smaller advantages as well. A cheaper grocery bill because you are no longer buying processed all ready prepared meals. A smaller clothing bill for a smaller size and more stylish clothing. The satisfaction of knowing that each day you are getting healthier and stronger.