Why lose weight?
People want to lose weight for all sorts of reasons – to have more energy, to be more mobile, to feel better, to look better, to buy clothes in regular shops, so they don’t need a seat belt extension, so their thighs don’t rub, so they are able to sit comfortably in a chair, so that they have a better social life.
The list is long. For most people improving their health, avoiding the illnesses that go with obesity, and avoiding dying prematurely are important reasons to address their weight.
There is scarcely a body organ or system that is not affected by carrying extra weight.
| Type 2 diabetes | Gout / arthritis |
| High blood pressure | Cancers – breast/uterine/colon |
| High cholesterol | Polycystic ovaries / impaired fertility |
| Heart disease | Social isolation / depression |
| Stroke | Varicose veins |
| Gall stones | Hernias |
| Fatty liver | Cataracts |
| Sleep apnoea | Fatigue / lethargy |
Does losing weight help change the risk of disease?
The answer is a definite YES!
For example, if you have pre- diabetes (impaired glucose tolerance), losing just 5% of your weight can decrease your risk of progressing to diabetes by HALF
Losing 5% of your weight can significantly improve your fertility.
Losing 5-10% of your weight can improve your blood pressure and your cholesterol.
Modest weight loss has very significant health benefits!