Getting to a healthy weight is much more than numbers on a scale or sizes on a pair of jeans — it can mean a whole new you.
Here, Dillman Clinic and Lab gives you an exclusive look at what happens to your health when you finally get to your ideal weight.
What is a healthy weight?
We get questions about weight all the time. It’s a good thing to wonder about your weight, but it’s important to know that the number on the scale is far from the only way to determine if you’re on the right track.
Weight varies from person to person, and there’s no perfect weight for everyone. You have a different frame, body fat distribution, and height from the next person, which means your ideal weight is also different.
Therefore, we measure your health by calculating your ideal body fat percentage, body mass index (BMI), and body weight.
Each of these numbers is an important piece of the puzzle, but you should only base your health on one of these measurements.
A note on being underweight
When we talk about an unhealthy weight, most think of being overweight. But being underweight is just as problematic. We use the same methods to determine if you’re shy of your ideal weight.
Whether you’re right where you need to be or a work in progress, we want you to know what a healthy body weight does for you. Here’s what you should know.
1. Less joint damage
Every step you take, every moment you spend standing, your joints are working to support you and help you move, and they do it all while bearing every ounce of your body weight. Getting yourself to a healthy weight relieves extra joint stress and can reduce painful degenerative problems.
2. More energy
If you’re overweight or obese, your hormones are likely paying the price, and hormonal imbalances are notorious for causing daytime drowsiness. Additionally, an unhealthy weight can lead to widespread inflammation, chronic health problems, and sleep disturbances, which all deplete your energy.
3. Fewer health problems
Being overweight also increases your risk for every health problem imaginable, from diabetes and high blood pressure to stroke and heart disease. Get a handle on your weight, and your risk goes down considerably.
4. Boosted confidence
A smaller waistline and more chiseled features should never be the only reason you want to lose weight, but there’s no denying the effect shedding extra pounds can have on your self-esteem. We’d argue that improving your confidence can positively affect your mental and physical health.
5. A happier heart
A body that’s overweight requires much more of its cardiovascular system. The more fat you carry around, the harder your heart and blood vessels need to pump blood around your body. A stressed cardiovascular system could turn into hypertension, leading to a heart attack or stroke in the worst cases.
6. More restful nights
Being overweight can disrupt your sleep in multiple ways. One of the most common involves weight’s physical effects on your body. Carrying excess weight can put pressure on your airways while you sleep, causing a sleep disorder known as obstructive sleep apnea.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is another sleep disrupter common in overweight individuals. It’s also possible that an unhealthy weight interferes with your metabolism and/or your sleep-wake cycles.
As you reach a healthy weight, your sleep improves from all angles.
7. Improved mental health
Think your weight has nothing to do with your mind and emotions? Think again. Being overweight can make it difficult to actively participate in what you love to do, which can contribute to a decline in mental health. People who are obese or overweight have a 55% increased risk of developing depression.
How do I get to a healthy weight?
There are many wrong ways to achieve a healthy weight, regardless of if you’re trying to lose or gain — so you shouldn’t go it alone. Dr. Megan Dillman has years of experience helping folks like you optimize their health in the healthiest ways possible.
If you need to lose weight, we may recommend that you:
- Consume nutrient-dense whole foods
- Cut back on processed foods
- Increase your activity levels
- Snack on protein and fiber-rich foods
- Up your water intake
- Manage stress
- Establish healthy sleeping patterns
If your goal is to gain weight, you can do so by:
- Opting for high-calorie, high-protein foods
- Investing in a weight gainer or supplement
- Add snacks to your daily routine
- Exercises to increase your muscle mass
Either way, respecting your body and setting realistic goals are paramount. You should never jump into a fad diet or exercise program without consulting us first.
Looking for help getting started Schedule an appointment with Dr. Dillman, call Dillman Clinic and Lab at 952-388-1212, or book your appointment online today.
