There’s no denying the fact that achieving a healthy weight can help you have a better quality of life. With an optimal weight it is not only  possible to keep cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels in balance. It can also prevent cardiovascular  diseases, diabetes, arthritis and cancers.  But, what if we aren’t trying to  achieve this goal? Here, we’re not only going to tell you why maintaining a healthy weight is important; but we’re also going to explain what the risks are of not doing so. 

When we talk about an optimal weight, we tend to think that’s just about losing those extra pounds. However, this view often ignores the other half of the story: being underweight, which can be just as risky as the other extreme. With this in mind, we invite you to read on about the benefits of a healthy weight and the possible risks of being over or underweight.

Having a healthy range Weight: 

•  Improves blood circulation.
•  Reduces the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, gallstones, osteoarthritis, breathing problems and sleep apnea.
• Improve quality of life by enhancing physical and mental health.
• Strengthens the immune system
• Boosts energy and mood, making the body feel stronger, confident and less tired.
• Promotes longevity and healthy aging.
• Decreases the risk of surgical complications.
• Increases fertility and pregnancy health conditions.

   

Underweight Health Risks: 

• Due to malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies, there is a greater chance of anemia and osteoporosis.
• The body is most likely to feel weakness, faintness and fatigue.
• In children, the possibilities of Stunted growth and intellectual development are higher.
• Irritability, apathy or inattention can appear more often in the everyday mood.
• Dry and inelastic skin.
• Brittle hair and hair loss.
• Frequent and severe infections.
• Low heart rate and blood pressure.
• Risk of suffering from heart disease is higher.
• Sarcopenia: Loss of muscle mass and strength, which can lead to disability and loss of independence.
• Negatively affects the functioning of the nervous system, resulting in frequent dizziness, easy fatigue and cognitive decline.
• Reduces female fertility by causing hormone imbalances, affecting ovulation and the chance of getting pregnant.

   

Overweight Health Risks: 

• Cardiovascular disease (mainly heart disease and stroke).
• Type 2 diabetes.
• High blood pressure (hypertension).
• High LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, or high levels of triglycerides (dyslipidemia).
• Certain types of cancer are more likely to develop (endometrial, breast, and colon). 
• Gallbladder disease.
• Musculoskeletal disorders like Osteoarthritis (a breakdown of cartilage and bone within a joint).
• Sleep apnea and breathing problems.
• Increased chance of mental illness, such as clinical depression, anxiety and other mental disorders.
• Body pain and difficulty with physical functioning.

In summary…

Optimal body weight is important for disease prevention, quality of life, mental health, body image, mobility, and more. But…

Keep in Mind:

While having an optimal weight by itself isn’t the only factor that makes us healthier, it does have an important impact on our overall health. Yet, there are other variables that also must  be taken in mind in order to improve our physical and mental health such as having our hormones well balanced; a proper nutrition and constant physical activity plan according to the age and health conditions of every person; among others. 

If you’re concerned about your weight and  want to achieve a healthier lifestyle, come to Aesthetic and Wellness Clinic. Our healthcare professionals will guide you through a proper weight loss and weight maintenance program with our seven-step plan. In addition, we’ll  provide you with a nutritional guide, regular monitoring of results and motivation.  We might also include FDA-approved medications to help you suppress appetite and lose weight by reducing hunger.