September is Healthy Aging Month
Weight loss is about more than just a clothing size
You've probably gone down the weight loss road before. If only you could lose 20 pounds — then you might fit into that dress or tighten your belt just a couple inches.
But as you age, how you look becomes much less important than how you move — and we aren't talking about the dance floor here. According to the National Institutes of Health, even minor weight loss can help you walk better, climb stairs, or just stand to do the dishes. In fact, the study showed that weight loss aided mobility more effectively than improved fitness alone. And with less pressure on your joints, your aching knees might feel better, too.
Here are just a few benefits:
* Cardiovascular health: Reducing weight can help lower blood pressure, decrease cholesterol levels, and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
* Type 2 diabetes: Weight loss can improve insulin sensitivity and help control blood sugar levels, potentially reducing the need for medication.
* Joint health: Carrying less weight reduces the stress on joints, which can improve mobility and alleviate symptoms of osteoarthritis.
* Sleep apnea: Weight loss can reduce the severity of sleep apnea by decreasing fat deposits in the neck area that can obstruct breathing.
* Respiratory function: Losing weight can improve lung function and reduce the symptoms of asthma and other respiratory conditions.
* Liver health: Weight loss can help reduce the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and improve liver function.
* Cancer risk: Maintaining a healthy weight can lower the risk of developing certain types of cancer, including breast, colon, and endometrial cancers.
