I’m Overweight, But I Feel Fine. Why Do I Need to Lose Weight?

If you're overweight, you’re not alone: About one in three adults in the United States are overweight, and more than two in five have obesity. While you may feel comfortable in your skin and with your weight, there are health risks associated with carrying extra pounds. 

Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight has many health benefits. Losing weight, however, can be challenging. At Michael Sutker, MD, in Dallas and McKinney, Texas, Dr. Sutker offers weight loss options to help those who have repeatedly tried to slim down without success.

Here, Dr. Sutker shares some benefits of achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. 

Lower your blood pressure numbers

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is called the “silent killer” because it has few symptoms but can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Fortunately, losing just 5% of your total weight can make a difference in lowering your blood pressure. 

Lower your blood sugar levels

If you have diabetes, losing weight can significantly improve your ability to successfully manage this chronic disease. It can help you reduce the amount of medication you take, prevent associated health problems, and, in some cases, lead to remission. 

Raise your good cholesterol levels

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is known as the “good” type of cholesterol because it helps clear your body of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the kind that damages and clogs your blood vessels. Weight loss and exercise are healthy ways to boost your HDL levels.

Lower your bad cholesterol levels

Being overweight increases your chances of having too much LDL cholesterol circulating in your blood. High LDL levels can lead to arterial inflammation and blockage, which can interfere with blood flow. Losing just 5% of your total body weight can help lower your LDL levels and reduce your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

Reduce your heart disease risk

Being overweight not only increases your risk of developing high cholesterol and high blood pressure, two factors associated with an increased risk of heart disease, but the weight itself can place extra strain on your heart. Researchers at John Hopkins University found that the more extra weight you carry, the greater your risk of developing heart disease. 

Reduce your type 2 diabetes risk

There’s a direct correlation between losing weight and reducing your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. One study found that people who lost about 7% of their body weight reduced their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by a whopping 60%. 

If you're ready to lose weight and lower your risk of developing hypertension, high cholesterol, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other serious health conditions, Michael Sutker, MD, can help. Call or click online to schedule a visit at your nearest office in Dallas or McKinney, Texas, today.