Source: postregister.com<\/p>\n
Today, obesity is accurately recognized as a disease and the cause of many serious health conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, asthma, and sleep disorders. And, the severely obese, who have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 to 50, shave about 10 years off their lives.<\/p>\n
Beyond the lower numbers on the scale, better fitting clothes, and the positive changes you see in the mirror, losing the few extra pounds you\u2019ve been carrying around can deliver big health benefits. Tammy Fouse, DO, general surgeon and fellowship-trained bariatric surgeon at Bingham Healthcare\u2019s new EM-POW-ER Weight Loss program, sheds some light on the long-term health benefits of losing weight.<\/p>\n
A spring in your step.<\/em>\u00a0Losing weight lessens the burden on your weight-bearing joints. For example, losing just 10 pounds of excess weight can reduce the pressure on your knees by 40 pounds. Or, if a modest weight loss \u2014 such as 20 pounds from a 200-pound frame \u2014 was maintained, heart disease, diabetes risk, and cancer risk would be lessened and people could live longer, healthier lives.<\/p>\n An improved mood.<\/em>\u00a0People who are overweight are more likely to be socially isolated and to experience depression.<\/p>\n A better night\u2019s sleep.<\/em>\u00a0People who are at a healthy weight are less likely to suffer from sleep disorders like sleep apnea.<\/p>\n A longer life.<\/em>\u00a0Losing weight lowers your risk for several kinds of cancer, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.<\/p>\n Overweight or obese women who sustained a weight loss of 10 percent or more for two years significantly decreased their levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, insulin, blood sugar, and inflammation, according to the Journal of the American Heart Association.<\/p>\n Why losing weight matters<\/strong><\/p>\n Losing weight will help you to avoid chronic health issues. Research completed at Oxford University over 10 to 15 years has shown that obese individuals who weighed about a third more than their counterparts \u2014 carrying 50 to 60 extra pounds \u2014 were 50 percent more likely to die prematurely; up to four times more likely to die of diabetes, liver or kidney problems; and two-thirds more likely to succumb to heart attack or stroke.<\/p>\n According to the National Cancer Institute, obesity is also associated with increased risks of the following cancer types: esophagus, pancreas, uterus, kidney, thyroid, and gallbladder. Higher BMIs were also linked to a greater risk of liver, colon and rectum, ovarian, and postmenopausal breast cancers.<\/p>\n \u201cThere is no \u2018one size fits all\u2019 when it comes to weight loss,\u201d says Dr. Fouse. \u201cBut, one thing is for sure. By using a nonsurgical or surgical solution to lose weight, the chronic disease processes associated with obesity can be reversed and even avoided.\u201d<\/p>\n You can learn new eating and physical activity habits that will help you to live a healthier lifestyle. These habits may help you maintain your weight loss over time and avoid any unnecessary medical complications associated with being overweight.<\/p>\n \u201cEven if an overall weight-loss goal seems overwhelming, see it as a journey rather than just a final destination,\u201d says Dr. Fouse. Whether it\u2019s 20 pounds or 200 standing between you and a healthier life, take a step today to manage your weight, feel better, and live longer.<\/p>\n EM-POW-ER Weight Loss Program<\/strong><\/p>\n If you\u2019ve been on a weight-loss journey for a while and are unhappy with your progress, Bingham Healthcare\u2019s EM-POW-ER Weight Loss program might be right for you. Dr. Fouse will help you choose a nonsurgical or surgical weight loss solution. She sees patients in Blackfoot, Idaho Falls, and Pocatello.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3766,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[40],"tags":[273,415,298,51],"class_list":["post-3765","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-heart-care","tag-health","tag-heart-disease","tag-high-blood-pressure","tag-obesity"],"yoast_head":"\n