According to a recent American Heart Association review, losing weight lowers several cardiovascular disease risk factors even if part of the weight is later gained again so don’t be too concerned about the yo-yo effect if your main goal is better health!
Losing weight appears to have long-lasting beneficial impacts on heart health.
Blood pressure, cholesterol, and several type 2 diabetes risk variables were improved in people who engaged in behavioral weight loss routines.
Over the course of 124 studies, weight loss ranged from 2 to 5 kilos (5-10 pounds). Less than a pound per year of weight increase resulted from the comeback.
Comparatively to those who didn’t engage in a behavioral program or those who took part in a program with a lesser level of intensity, those who lost weight with behavioral programs had additional benefits.
Co-senior author of the study, Susan A. Jebb, says that “Our findings should provide reassurance weight loss programs are effective in controlling cardiovascular risks and likely to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease.”
2.4 million fatalities occurred globally in 2020 as a result of being overweight or obese.
According to the American Heart Association, gaining weight raises a person’s risk for high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
These characteristics increase the risk of heart disease and insulin resistance, a predecessor to type 2 diabetes. So losing weight is a way to enhance overall health.
Nutritionist Kristin Kirkpatrick explains that “Losing weight is a lot easier than keeping it off. Therefore, the findings of this analysis are promising in that health benefits were observed long term.”
The Comite Center for Precision Medicine and Health’s founder, Florence Comite shared via Healthline that the research is excellent news for overweight people since it further supports the tremendous health advantages of decreasing even a small amount of body weight through changing one’s behavior patterns.
“It shows that you have control, and it offers hope to people. It shows people can live healthier lives through lifestyle changes, including food, exercise, and adopting a proactive role in their healthcare. And if they experience minimal to modest weight regain, which is common, the benefits are still worth the impact on an individual’s future health trajectory,” Comite states.
