You don’t need to hear that losing weight may improve your health. You know this. But maybe knowing a few more reasons to be more active and eat a balanced diet can help you make healthier decisions going forward. To learn more, read these lesser-known benefits of losing weight to gain a little more inspiration.
Your Sleep Improves
One of these benefits is improved sleep. When you lose weight, you may lose it around your neck. Losing this weight—which would otherwise hinder your breathing while you sleep—allows you to breathe deeply and freely when you’re sleeping. When you can breathe easier, you don’t wake up as often, and you get better rest for your body and mind. Even if you don’t currently wake up due to sleep apnea or snoring, losing weight could still help your sleep. When your breathing is restricted, you may simply lose your deep sleep rather than waking up. This may explain your fatigue.
Your Incontinence Is Limited
Incontinence, or the inability to control urination, has a pretty direct relationship with obesity. People can lose control over going to the bathroom when their core and pelvic muscles deteriorate. People with extra weight are more susceptible to incontinence because their weight wears out their pelvic muscles over time.
Your Allergies Aren’t as Bad
Another little-known benefit of losing weight is its possible effect on your allergies. Carrying extra weight in certain spots affects your adrenal and respiratory function, leaving you more open to allergic reactions than other people. Your allergies won’t evaporate when you lose weight, but your reactions may not be as severe.
You Motivate Others
Too often, people think about weight in an individual vacuum. However, it’s vital to consider that your journey to a healthier weight may inspire others to make practical changes in their lives. By seeing a slimmer you and observing your daily health practices, others may pick up these practices themselves.
