How Weight Loss Can Benefit More Than Just Your Appearance

At any given time, nearly half of American adults are trying to lose weight. For many people, the reason is fairly surface-level: Their jeans are too tight, or they don’t like the way they look in the mirror. And since we only get this one life and this one body, putting in the work to change what doesn’t make us happy makes sense.

But losing weight doesn’t just transform the way your body looks. It also makes a dramatic difference in the way your body functions. In fact, these invaluable, far-reaching health benefits played a big role when Kelly DiStefano, MD, and our team decided to offer weight loss services here at Montclair Concierge Medicine in Verona, New Jersey. 

So, what can you expect when you shed a few pounds? Let’s take a closer look at the health and wellness benefits of weight loss.

1. A longer life

It’s fairly normal to let the number on the scale creep up through the years. Doing so can have a serious impact on your longevity, though. A recent study found that people with a body mass index of normal to slightly overweight lived five years longer, on average, than people with a BMI in the obese category. 

You don’t need to find a fountain of youth to extend your lifespan. Instead, focus on dropping excess fat and reaching a healthy weight for your height. 

2. Fewer health problems

It’s not just about the years you have but the quality of those years. Weight loss can also help you enjoy a better life with fewer issues. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that losing 5–10% of your body weight can produce notable health benefits. Those include:

• Healthier blood sugar levels, reducing your diabetes risk
• Lower blood pressure levels, reducing your stroke risk
• Healthier cholesterol levels, reducing your heart attack risk
• Decreased joint strain, reducing your osteoarthritis risk

In other words, weight loss gives you a way to enjoy your life with fewer trips to the doctor, fewer medications, and a lowered risk of a serious health problem. 

3. More energy

As you lose weight, your body expends less energy to maintain key bodily functions and your mobility. When people start to drop pounds, they often report a notable uptick in their energy levels.

That means that as you lose weight, you get more in the tank to continue on that journey. So while it can be harder to lose those first few pounds, the process naturally gets easier once it gets underway. 

That’s where we come in. Here at Montclair Concierge Medicine in Verona, New Jersey, Dr. DiStefano offers personalized, medically supported weight loss programs. To get the support, guidance, and treatment you need to start on the path toward your ideal weight, call our office to schedule an in-person or telehealth appointment today.