Some medical conditions are affected by weight. Managing your weight can lower your risk for many of these medical conditions.
Think about your health. Are any of the following conditions ones that you’d like to work on?
Healthy heart
By managing your weight, you can lower your risk of or better control heart disease. This includes hardening of the arteries, heart attack, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and stroke.
Breathe easier
By managing your weight, you can breathe better, lower your risk of or improve sleep apnea. Obesity is also linked with poor asthma control.
Lower risk for pre-diabetes or diabetes
By managing your weight, you can lower your risk of high blood glucose, type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol.
Healthy joints and muscles
By managing your weight, you may be able to move easier and with less pain, especially in your joints and lower back. You may also be able to manage your arthritis better (if you have it) and even lower your risk of developing arthritis and gout.
Gallbladder and liver problems
By managing your weight, you can lower your risk of having gallstones or other liver problems such as an enlarged liver, a fatty liver, and cirrhosis.
Cancer
By managing your weight, you can lower your risk for different types of cancer, such as endometrial cancer, breast cancer (after menopause), colorectal cancer, and kidney cancer.
Other conditions
By managing your weight, you can lower your risk of other health conditions. These include cataracts, problems becoming pregnant, skin problems, and mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.
Something to think about ...
Go to your
reflection journal and check off the areas you’d like to work on. Knowing why you’re making changes can help you keep focused and on track.
