The Power of Maintaining a Healthy Weight

Maintaining physical wellness into old age is a complex problem with a variety of factors to consider. However, there’s one factor that makes a big difference in mobility, heart health, self-esteem, and overall independence. Maintaining a healthy body weight can make a positive impact on your day-to-day life, and in more ways than you might expect.

What is My Healthy Body Weight?

Before starting your weight loss journey, it’s important to get a sense of what body weight you’re aiming for. Setting dieting goals isn’t as easy as picking an arbitrary number, and one person’s ideal body weight may be much different from yours.

Ideal body weight needs to include a variety of factors including age, gender, lifestyle, and more. For the most accurate estimate, it’s best to talk to your doctor or a registered dietician. However, if you want to start with a simple estimate you can do at home, you can start by consulting this chart:

Benefits of Maintaining a Healthy Weight

Most people already have a few reasons for wanting to shed their extra pounds, but many would be surprised at just how many benefits weight loss brings. Take a look at the list below and see if there are any that surprise you.

Promotes Cardiovascular Health

As the leading cause of death in the US, heart health is worth taking seriously. Lowering body weight through a healthy diet can reduce cholesterol levels, letting your heart run smoothly. Also, reducing your overall weight means your heart, lungs, and muscles don’t have to work quite as hard to get you from place to place.

A checkup with your doctor is a great way to get a sense of your overall cardiovascular health, though if you want an at-home way to check on heart health, try one of our heart monitors.

Boosts Energy

It makes sense that shedding pounds gives you more energy to work with. Dropping five, ten, or twenty pounds will leave you feeling that much lighter, with energy left over for an active day. This is especially important for seniors who may often be feeling sluggish or tired.

As a bonus, reduced weight can have a positive impact on sleep quality. Find tips on Sleeping Better as You Age.

Strengthens Joints and Bones

Our ankles, knees, and hips support our bodies throughout the day, and losing weight can help ease some of the strain. This can be especially helpful if you’re suffering from arthritis. However, even if you don’t have joint pain, maintaining a healthy weight will help ensure your joints stay healthy into old age.

Helps Prevent Diabetes

Losing weight goes hand-in-hand with diabetes prevention, encouraging seniors to eat healthier and get more exercise. Whether you carry a risk of type 2 diabetes or just want to stay on the safe side, cutting weight is a good bet.

Boosts Your Mental Health

While mental health is a little harder to measure than blood pressure or blood sugar levels, there’s no denying the positive benefit weight loss has on mental health. Reduced weight can ease symptoms of depression and anxiety while also boosting self-confidence. Plus, maintaining a healthy weight can protect you from conditions like sleep apnea, which harms your sleep hygiene and overall sense of mental well-being.

Lowers Cancer Risk

While the relationship between excess weight and heart disease is well known, many people aren’t aware that overweight individuals are also at a higher risk for certain types of cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, this includes breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, kidney cancer, and others.

Plus, eating a healthy, balanced diet can prevent other kinds of cancers too. By incorporating a variety of foods with antioxidants and other nutrients, you can help your body fight against free radicals and protect against cancer.

Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Weight

The truth is that most people wouldn’t mind shedding a few pounds, though we all know it’s easier said than done. If you’re looking for help maintaining a healthy weight, take a look at these quick tips:

• Stay committed to exercise
  

  Starting a workout routine is much easier than seeing it through. If you’re having a hard time hitting the gym regularly, finding a workout partner might provide the motivation you need.

• Adopt healthy habits gradually
  

  When changing your diet or exercise, it’s better to start small and work your way up. This can help you gradually adapt to the change and keep you motivated, while also preventing injury when exercising. 

• Find activities you like
  

  Physical fitness doesn’t have to mean a jogging route or weightlifting regimen. You can also try hiking, biking, gardening, or anything else that gets you up and moving.

• Stick to tried-and-true diets
  

  Rather than following the latest fad diet, try simply eating less fat and sugar and more fruits and vegetables. Check out these busted weight loss myths here.

Finding Motivation

It isn’t always easy to reach our weight loss goals, though finding the right motivation can make them feel more achievable. The key is finding the reason that speaks to you, whether that’s increased energy, improved body image, or protection against common health concerns. By keeping these benefits in mind, you’ll find yourself one step closer to your ideal weight.