Losing weight is an aspiration for many people, as it has been shown to improve your overall health and reduce your risk of heart disease and diabetes. However, that doesn’t mean that weight loss has both positive and negative effects on your body as a whole. Though the positives far outweigh the negatives, it is worth looking at some of the lesser known effects so you know what to expect if you are currently in the process of shedding some pounds. So, let’s take a closer look at the effects of weight loss on the body.
Your Energy Levels Will Increase
When people first start losing weight, one of the first things that they notice is a major energy boost which has a positive knock-on effect on the rest of their lives. When you are carrying around less weight, it takes less energy to go about your day and also helps to improve oxygen efficiency. We would all love to have a bit more energy in our everyday lives and it turns out that losing weight is a prime way to achieve this.
Your Mental Health Doesn’t Necessarily Improve
Many people tie up their mental health issues very closely with their weight, thinking that if they start shedding pounds then they are bound to feel happier. Unfortunately, many of these issues can’t be so easily solved, so you need to look at the root causes of why you are feeling depressed in the first place. Having said this, many people do feel a lot more confident after they have lost weight, but just remember that it is not necessarily a cure-all.
Your Skin May Start to Sag
One of the main things that people simply aren’t prepared for when they lose weight is the loose, sagging skin that is often a natural byproduct. This is not going to go away overnight, though there are skin-tightening exercises that you can do to work out certain parts of the body. It is worth looking at the different approaches you can take to tackle this common issue and answering such questions as: is swimming good for weight loss?
You May be Able to Sleep Better
Moving back into the unexpected positive effects of weight loss, some studies have shown that people who lose at least 5% of their body fat sleep for a longer period of time. As well as this, a reasonable amount of weight loss can also help to improve symptoms of sleep apnea. This is because there is less to physically constrict your breathing. Better sleep also helps to burn fat more effectively so it really is a win-win.
Your Bones May Change
While weight loss is often associated with bone loss, you should only be concerned if you quickly move to becoming underweight. While extra weight can make bones stronger, there is usually more pressure on joints and fat around the belly has shown to be bad for bones.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the journey of weight loss is a complex one, bringing about a range of physical and mental changes that extend beyond just the number on the scale. While the positive impacts on your energy, sleep, and overall health are significant and often life-changing, it’s also crucial to be prepared for lesser-known effects like potential skin changes or the reality that mental health improvements might require additional focus. Understanding these diverse outcomes empowers you to approach your weight loss journey with realistic expectations, enabling you to celebrate the successes and proactively address any challenges for a truly holistic transformation.
Photo Credit: Pexels.com
