Little Losses Bring Big Benefits
Experts say losing just 5 to 10 percent of your current body weight, if you’re overweight, can have big benefits for your health. That means if you weigh 250 pounds, losing just 12 to 25 pounds can make a healthy difference.
Take a look:
• Reduced joint pain – about 40-percent less pain with a loss of 15 pounds
• Decreased cholesterol levels
• Decreased blood glucose levels
• Reduced blood pressure, possibly eliminating need for medication
• Lowered blood lipids, such as triglycerides
• Reduced hemoglobin A1C (Hb A1C) level
• Decreased risk of diabetes, by as much as 58 percent
• Decreased risk of dementia later in life
• Increased physical ability, including ability to walk
• Increased ability to do everyday tasks, like tying shoes, showering and cleaning
• Improved mood
• Improved ability to fall and stay asleep
• Increased life expectancy
