Sunday, May 6, 2007

Health Benefits of Weight Loss

Research shows the following health benefits for weight loss:

* Weight loss may improve survival in those who have an obesity-related disease, especially type 2 diabetes. 2
* A modest weight loss of 4.4 lb (2 kg) to 9.7 lb (4.4 kg) resulted in a significant lowering of blood pressure. 7
* People with asthma who lost an average of 31.3 lb (14.2 kg) over 1 year showed improved lung function and overall health, and with weight loss, the number of severe asthma episodes (exacerbations) and oral corticosteroid courses were reduced. 8
* People with type 2 diabetes who lost weight had lower blood sugar levels and were able to use less medicine to lower their blood sugar levels. 2
* Sustained weight loss prevented new cases of type 2 diabetes in people who were obese. 2
* People with obstructive sleep apnea who lost as little as 10% of their weight improved their sleep patterns and had less daytime sleepiness. 2

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