Would my Body Experience any Health Benefits Yet?

Carolyn_79

Since I've joined MFP I've lost 9 pounds. I was at my heaviest last summer and am down 13 pounds since then moving myself from the obese category on the BMI to the overweight category. I'm very happy about this achievement but I still have a ways to go since I'd like to lose another 30 pounds to reach my healthy GW.

I'm thrilled that I'm eating better, exercising, and seeing results. My clothing is looser which is motivating, but that's not all that matters to me. I want to lose weight for my general health since my family is plagued with a variety of illnesses that obesity is a risk factor for.

So my question: Would my 9 pound weight loss have any positive effects on my health yet or do I still need to lose a bit more before my overall health is improved? Would 9 pounds decrease the risk of any health problems?

gail2207

So my question: Would my 9 pound weight loss have any positive effects on my health yet or do I still need to lose a bit more before my overall health is improved? Would 9 pounds decrease the risk of any health problems?

I think moving from the obese into the overweight category would definitely decrease the risk, even if only slightly! Well done on your progress so far. Obviously you know that to reduce the risk even more you need to get your weight more towards the lower end of the 'overweight' category, but it's also important to find out your body fat percentage, as that is thought to be a much more accurate measure than BMI.

Good luck!

Canadien

I'm no professional or anything, but I'm pretty sure 9 pounds would help! Not a LOT, but it's still helpful - you're getting healthier step by step. Right now, you're healthier than you were before!

Juliebean_1027

So my question: Would my 9 pound weight loss have any positive effects on my health yet or do I still need to lose a bit more before my overall health is improved? Would 9 pounds decrease the risk of any health problems?

There used to be this commercial back in the mid 80s (don't judge me, I know I'm getting up there in age when I start quoting commercials from 20 years ago) that said for every pound that you lost your heart had to pump blood the equivalent of one mile less or something like that. And there was the Tylenol commercial a few years ago that said if you lose just 1 pound it takes 4 pounds of pressure off of your knees.

So the short answer is, yes, losing 9 pounds does decrease the risk of health problems.

Carolyn_79

Not judging you at all, lol. The '80's had the best styles, music, and movies. I was a kid in the '80's so I don't remember the commercial but very interesting. Thanks for sharing.