Mega Bored
It’s no secret that losing weight will help become healthier. But will it make you happier? Some say simply becoming thinner won’t improve your emotional well-being when you’re suffering from a mental health disorder.
That’s probably true. If you have a chemical imbalance that needs to be addressed with medication or talk therapy, losing weight alone probably won’t help. However, shedding some pounds will improve many aspects of your quality of life, which will ultimately allow you to be healthier and happier.
Consider these ways losing weight will lead to happiness.
1. You’ll enjoy shopping again
When you’re overweight, it can be difficult to find stylish clothes that flatter your figure. After all, fashion designers make clothes with runway models in mind, not soccer moms. That’s not to say you should aspire to look a like a fashion model – you’ll only wind up disappointed if you set that as a goal. But losing a few pounds will help you look better in today’s most fashionable styles instead of baggy clothes that hide your body. Clothes shopping will finally become a pleasurable experience rather than a frustrating endeavor.
2. You’ll be more comfortable
Even if you’re only carrying a few extra pounds, your body can become uncomfortable. Your skin might rub together and cause painful chafing and irritation. Plus, your clothes might dig into your arms, abdomen, chest or neck and leave ugly red marks or scratches. That’s why eliminating a few pounds will help feel better physically as you go about your daily routine.
3. You’ll have more energy
If you’re carrying extra weight, it puts undue strain on your body. Think about it like this: if you’re five pounds overweight, it’s comparable to tying a string around a five-pound brick and carrying it around your neck all day. And the size of that brick increases with each extra pound you weigh. So imagine how tired you would if you carrying a five-pound, 10-pound, 25- or 30-pound brick around all day! Just walking up stairs would be exhausting. Losing the extra pounds will allow you to have more energy and not tire out so quickly.
4. Your heart will thank you
Your heart is a muscle that pumps blood to your brain and extremities. That’s why if your body is overweight, your heart has to work harder to get blood to the places it needs to go. Losing weight can fend off heart disease because your heart won’t experience as much strain. Studies have shown that even losing 5-to-10 percent of your body weight will significantly decrease your blood pressure, chance of diabetes, bad cholesterol and overall risk of cardiovascular disease. Some people even find they can stop taking blood-pressure medication or cholesterol-lowering drugs after losing weight.
5. You’ll be more confident
As someone who is overweight, spending time in groups of people may make you feel self-conscious. You may think everyone is staring at you or are overly aware of your weight. The truth is, people probably don’t give your weight a second thought, but you’ll think they do. After slimming down, you’ll feel more confident and willing to take the lead in group settings. You might even feel comfortable leading a group discussion or giving a talk to a weight-loss support group!
6. You’ll enjoy exercise more
For many people who are overweight, “exercise” amounts to a four-letter word. Exercising is harder when you’re heavy, and you may feel embarrassed in gym locker rooms or during group physical activities. When you lose the first few pounds, jogging gets so much easier. Lose another few pounds and you’ll find you can run further. As you progress, you’ll find that exercising is more enjoyable and gets easier for you. Before long, you’ll look forward to exercising on a regular basis which helps you keep the weight you’ve lost off!
7. You’ll believe in yourself
After you lose weight, you’ll feel like you can accomplish anything you set your mind to do. That’s because losing weight can be a challenge – but it’s one that’s well-worth the effort. Seeing yourself thinner in the mirror everyday becomes a visible reminder that you can achieve goals, no matter how difficult they seem. You won’t be afraid to attempt any endeavor, no matter how hard it may be!
For these reasons and many more, losing weight will make you happier. Plus, your body will become healthier, and you can look forward to many fun-filled years ahead.
