
The physical benefits of losing weight
There are definite health benefits that overweight or obese people can gain from losing some weight, for example, reducing the chance of developing certain diseases. For most obese or overweight people health benefits can come with losing the first 5*-10% of weight.
Feeling ‘better’
The physical and health rewards of losing weight were described as ‘awesome’, ‘amazing’, ‘unbelievable’ by some young people. Changes young people noticed since losing weight included:
- • Having more energy
- • Sleeping better and waking up feeling rested and in a good mood
- • Having fewer aches and pains
- • Improved ability to move and get around
- • Finding it easier to breathe
- • Improved immune system (ability to fight off illness)
- Age at interview:
- 14
- Sex:
- Female
- Sex:
- Female
- Background:
- See 'brief outline'.
- Age at interview:
- 17
- Sex:
- Female
- Background:
- See 'brief outline'.
But now, you know, I have become better at if I, if I have become, I did become ill in December just with the flu like everyone had, and it, like I did have it maybe a month or maybe two actually but, you know, I, I didn’t necessarily feel like crap every single day whereas before I would, you know, it was easier to fight it I think so yeah, yeah I think it is, it is important, very important because it has made such a difference to me and I think, you know, yeah I really do think it is important.
Conditions such as Type 2 diabetes are less likely to develop if an obese person loses 10% of their weight. Weight loss can also help if a person already has high blood pressure or Types 2 diabetes type 2 as a result of their weight. If a person is taking medication for these problems and loses weight, they should consult their doctor as they may need a smaller dose. Weight loss in overweight or obese people will also reduce the likelihood of having heart disease, stroke, or obesity-related cancers all of which can be life-threatening. For links to more information see our resources section.
Those who were at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes had been told by their doctors that their blood sugar levels had much improved and that their risk of developing the condition had reduced since losing weight. Those with asthma had noticed a significant improvement in their condition and had either no need to take much medication or their asthma was simply no longer a medical issue.
- Sex:
- Female
- Background:
- See 'brief outline'.
- Age at interview:
- 19
- Sex:
- Female
- Background:
- See 'brief outline'.
- Age at interview:
- 14
- Sex:
- Female
• To improve health
• To improve chances of living a long and healthier life
Most young people understood the relationship between diet, exercise and well-being (see also Healthy eating).
- Sex:
- Male
- Background:
- See 'brief outline'.
- Sex:
- Female
- Background:
- See 'brief outline'.
- Sex:
- Female
- Background:
- See 'brief outline'.
- Age at interview:
- 13
- Sex:
- Female
- Background:
- See 'brief outline'.
*Effects of Moderate and Subsequent Progressive Weight Loss on Metabolic Function and Adipose Tissue Biology in Humans with Obesity. Faidon Magkos, Gemma Fraterrigo, Jun Yoshino, Courtney Luecking, Kyleigh Kirbach, Shannon C. Kelly, Lisa de las Fuentes, Songbing He, Adewole L. Okunade, Bruce W. Patterson, Samuel Klein. Published: February 22, 2016 Cell Metabolism. Volume 23, Issue 4, 12 April 2016, Pages 591–601
Last reviewed July 2017.
Last updated July 2017.