Weight loss may be more beneficial than you think

So, you want to lose weight because you dislike the way you look and want to be able to walk up a flight of stairs without breaking out in a cold sweat and losing your breath for 5 minutes. You believe that losing weight will reenergize your long-dormant love life. But there are a few other factors that might persuade you to ditch the 24 pack for reasons other than vanity.

Let us begin by listing all of the other diseases that have been linked to obesity. The most common is probably heart disease, which has links to many of the other conditions on the list. Hypertension, diabetes, atherosclerosis, congestive heart failure, and sleep apnea are examples. Colon cancer, fatty liver, gynecomastia, irregular menstruation, breast cancer, uterine cancer, depression, joint pain and destruction, and heart burn are all unrelated to the heart. Each of these diseases is associated with a slew of other complications, many of which are life-threatening or severely debilitating. Not to mention the social stigmatism that impedes life in all areas, including personal and professional life.

The good news about obesity is that it is not a permanent disability that must be accepted. On the contrary, it is entirely possible to lose weight and maintain a healthy weight. Weight isn't the only thing that's lost. Weight loss increases the risk of developing diabetes, high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, cancer, depression, sleep apnea, and so on. You gain endurance, productivity, self-esteem, confidence, respect, and so on.

So, why wouldn't you go out right now and get your hands on the most up-to-date weight loss information money can buy? Or, even better, go to your family physician (who has access to the best information money can buy) and have him create a comprehensive plan to help you safely and effectively lose weight in a very controlled environment with the best support money can buy. The best part is that your insurance company's bankroll is doing the purchasing, not yours. They are happy to do it as well, which should tell you something important. Insurance companies understand that losing weight and keeping it off is in their best interests because it keeps you healthier and out of the doctor's office and hospital.