Weight loss can be a part of the management or decrease the risk of developing multiple chronic (long-term) conditions.
*Note this list is not comprehensive. If you have been diagnosed with one of these conditions, you should be under the care of your healthcare provider and should not stop any agreed upon medications or therapies without discussing such with your provider first.

Can weight loss help your health?
Chronic diseases are lifelong conditions that require management through lifestyle changes and may even require medication. Being overweight or obese can put you at an increased risk of developing most chronic conditions. One of the first steps to helping your health is managing or decreasing the risk of developing chronic conditions is weight loss. Some of the most prevalent chronic conditions affected by obesity are noted below:
#1 - Diabetes/Pre-diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body does not create enough insulin to break down the sugars and carbohydrates in the foods that you eat. Without sugars being properly broken down in the body, this can lead to elevated blood sugar levels. If diabetes goes unmanaged this can lead to multiple issues with the veins in the body including the heart, eyes, and kidneys.
Losing weight will increase control over the food that you eat. By using moderate exercise as well as healthy eating habits and good food choices, blood sugar control can be gained and weight loss will be noticed.
#2 - High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Blood pressure is the amount of pressure within the blood vessels (veins) of the body. While some pressure is needed to help blood flow, high blood pressure can tighten the vessels and decrease the ability to effectively pump blood through the body to feed the organs. High blood pressure cannot always be felt. If unmanaged, high blood pressure can lead serious conditions like stroke, heart attack, or kidney disease.
Blood pressure can be improved by weight loss. This should include decreased fatty and salty foods in the diet, and moderate exercise.
#3 - High Cholesterol (Hyperlipidemia)
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance in the body. While some cholesterol is good for the body, having too much "bad cholesterol" can increase the risk of developing heart disease, stroke, or other serious conditions. Cholesterol can come from the foods you eat.
By Making healthy eating choices, you can decrease your bad cholesterol intake and decrease your risk of other chronic conditions.
#4 - Heart Disease (Coronary Artery Disease)
Heart disease can lead to heart attacks. Heart disease is created by plaque buildup in the arteries around the heart. With plaque building up, there is a decrease in blood flow around the heart which can lead to chest pain and heart attacks.
By reaching a healthy weight and maintaining it, this can decrease risks of developing or worsening heart disease. Moderate exercise, low salt and low fat diets can help with lifestyle management.
#5 - PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
PCOS is a condition in some women in which there is an increased production of androgens which can lead to issues of ovulation. There is a high prevalence between insulin resistance (not using the insulin produced in the body well), obesity, and PCOS.
PCOS does not have a cure. However, appropriate management of PCOS includes weight loss to decrease symptoms and improve insulin response.
Weight Loss Can Help You be a Healthier You!
There are many other conditions that can be improved with weight loss. Most conditions require lifestyle changes. At Advanced Metabolic Solutions, we understand that having help with weight loss through the use of medications to assist the the metabolic breakdown can improve the chance of obtaining a healthy weight loss goal and maintain that goal once achieved. Overall medical health can lead to decreased stress and improved wellness.
Reminder: The above conditions can be managed with lifestyle changes in some case, but may also require medication. If you are diagnosed with one of the above conditions and are taking medication for it, do not stop medications without first talking with your healthcare provider.
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