“The benefits and rewards that come with obtaining and maintaining a healthy weight are endless. As a healthcare provider the positive effects of weight loss on chronic disease management was clear early on.
Heart Disease remains the #1 killer of both men and women in America. The risk of heart disease is significantly lowered with weight loss. Losing 5% body weight lowers the blood-pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels. This results in lowering your risk for a heart attack and can potentially eliminate the need for medications taken for blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes. Losing only 10 pounds can decrease the risk of a heart attack by 50%!
Sleep Apnea is common in over-weight populations. Weight loss of 10 pounds has proven to decrease sleep apnea and can also improve quality of sleep. Many people are able to discontinue the use of assisted sleeping devices once weight loss occurs.
Mental Health benefits as well from weight loss. Aside from decreasing depression, weight loss can improve your memory. Visceral fat contains cells that release inflammatory chemicals in the body. The presence of these inflammatory cells increase the risk of memory loss and the potential development of dementia.
Arthritis is common among many adults. Whether it’s back pain, knee pain, hip pain or general body aches, losing weight can significantly decrease the aches and pains experienced from added weight.
Sex drive is also effected by weight, especially in men. Results from a recent study show that men with an extra 30 lbs had testosterone levels of those 10 years older. Erectile dysfunction has also proven to be higher in those with added weight. Another study showed that those suffering from obesity were 25 times more likely to be dissatisfied with their sex lives.
Cancer cells have shown to increase in those with added weight. Losing weight can lower that risk. Fat cells release large amounts of hormones such as estrogen, insulin and insulin like-growth hormone. This increase in hormones can fuel many cancers.
If you are living in Nashville, TN and are wanting to lose weight, improve your health, decrease your health risks or, improve your body image. 61Five Health & Wellness is here to assist you in achieving those goals. Feel free to call us with any questions. See you soon!”
– Sarah St Clair M.S.N., FNP-BC
