On Healthy Living

Some people want to lose weight in order to look better. Some people get in a hurry to lose weight the wrong way for this reason, which can be as detrimental to health as being overweight. Losing weight for looks should be the secondary focus. Losing weight should be about health. Extra weight can put you at risk for many health issues, such as:

• high blood pressure
• stroke
• heart disease
• some forms of cancer
• type 2 diabetes
• gallbladder disease
• liver disease
• osteoarthritis, which is a wearing away of the joints
• sleep apnea (breathing stops during sleep for short periods)
• irregular menstrual periods

Especially as we age, these risks are even higher. It’s best to start an exercise program and a healthy eating lifestyle early in life and maintaining it. But, it’s never too late to start. The key is to start slow and be consistent. Make changes that are lasting. The reflection you’ll see in the mirror may be smiling back at you, but more than anything, your risks for health issues will be decreased.

Kathy Dove wrote this on April 25th, 2008 and filed it under Healthy Living, Women's Health, Men's Health, Health & Aging, Weight Loss |