Losing Weight Lowers Your Risk for These Chronic Conditions

While many people aim to lose weight to look better, there are numerous health benefits that also go along with shedding extra pounds. Experienced bariatric surgeon, Christopher Reilly, MD, FACS, understands the struggle to lose weight in a safe and healthy way. He offers a number of surgical options and counseling services to help you achieve a healthy body weight.

By recognizing the many health benefits weight loss can bring into your life, you may be more motivated to stay on track and make the necessary changes in your life.

Medical benefits of weight loss

Weight loss can even reduce your risk factors for developing chronic conditions, a major benefit for both your short-term and long-term health. In fact, losing just 5% of your body weight can significantly eliminate the likelihood you’ll develop chronic diseases like:

Diabetes
Acid reflux
Hypertension
Heart disease
Certain cancers
High cholesterol

You can also reduce your chances of suffering complications that are common following a stroke or heart attack.

Lifestyle benefits of losing weight

In addition to the reduction of your risk factors for chronic health conditions, losing weight can boost your self-confidence, help you feel better, and increase your energy levels.

Eliminating extra pounds also takes the weight off your joints, increasing your mobility, and lowering your chances of developing arthritis. You’re more likely to remain active when you’re not down and out with chronic body pain, making it even easier to maintain a healthy weight in the long term.

Weight loss can also benefit the quality of sleep you get every night by preventing the development of obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can cause you to wake up often during the night, further increasing your risk for chronic health conditions and daily fatigue.

Weight loss has emotional benefits, too

Losing weight helps you look better and feel better. Dropping pounds can stabilize and boost your mood, and your new body image can increase your own satisfaction with your appearance.

As you gain more confidence in your healthy lifestyle, you may find your social life is more active and your sexual health is enhanced.

When it’s time to consider surgery for weight loss

The reality is that it’s often very difficult to lose weight, especially as you get older. If you’re already struggling with obesity and underlying health issues, like chronic joint pain or a weight-related disability, it’s likely that the active lifestyle needed for weight loss isn’t possible.

Dr. Reilly offers comprehensive health evaluations to determine if weight loss surgery may be your next option. As a bariatric specialist, he can review your medical history and discuss your diet and lifestyle to better understand your needs and the obstacles you face on your weight loss journey.

Because there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to weight loss surgery, Dr. Reilly takes the time to discuss your options and help you make the most informed decision about the right surgery for you, such as:

These surgeries can effectively help you lose the weight initially and Dr. Reilly helps you transition to a healthier, slimmer you. With the right lifestyle modifications and a nutritious diet plan, you can not only see the results of your efforts, you can maintain them for a lifetime.

Find out more about your surgical options for weight loss by calling West Houston Surgical Associates today or request a consultation online now.