When it comes to weight loss, many people often focus on the goal of achieving an ideal number on the scale. However, according to Dr. Mriganka S. Sharma, Director of Minimally Invasive Surgery and Dr. Amit D. Goswami, Deputy Director of General Surgery and Minimally Invasive Surgery at CK Birla Hospital (India), even if you have not reached the desired weight, losing about 10% of your body weight can also bring significant health benefits.
Blood sugar levels improved
According to experts, overweight and obesity often make the body use insulin less effectively. This increases the risk of blood disorders and type 2 diabetes.
Reducing about 10% of body weight can help improve insulin sensitivity, thereby supporting better blood sugar control. For people who already have diabetes, weight loss also contributes to supporting more effective disease control.
Bringing benefits to cardiovascular health
Reducing a part of your body weight can help improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels, two factors closely related to the risk of cardiovascular disease. According to the American Heart Association, weight loss also contributes to reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, especially in overweight or obese people.
Reduce fat accumulation around internal organs
Besides the amount of fat under the skin, the body also accumulates fat around internal organs, especially the liver. This is a type of fat that is related to many health problems.
According to Dr. Sharma and Dr. Goswami, weight loss helps reduce visceral fat, thereby supporting liver function and reducing the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, a disease that is becoming increasingly common.
Reduce pressure on bones and joints
Each kilogram of excess weight increases pressure on load-bearing joints such as the knees, hips and lumbar spine. Over time, this can cause pain or increase the risk of osteoarthritis.
Experts say that losing about 10% of weight helps reduce the load on the musculoskeletal system, thereby supporting easier movement. Many people find that they walk more comfortably and have less pain after losing weight, even if the reduction is not too large.
Sleep better and have more energy
Another common benefit is the improvement in sleep quality. Overweight people are prone to snoring or sleep-related respiratory disorders.
When body weight decreases, these problems can be improved, helping to have deeper and better quality sleep. As a result, the body has more energy for daily activities, while improving concentration and working efficiency.
According to experts, losing 10% of body weight is already a remarkable result. Instead of just focusing on a large weight loss goal in a short time, achieving small milestones and maintaining them for a long time can bring many practical health benefits.
