Even if you don’t see the fruits of your weight loss efforts in the mirror, subtle changes are happening to your body after you lose 5 pounds. You don’t have to slim down to your high school size to get real health benefits. Losing just a few pounds makes a big difference. 

You’ll tame inflammation: While it is a part of your body’s natural defense system, carrying extra weight can cause it to go into overdrive, leading to chronic health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. But researchers found that losing an average of six pounds decreased inflammation by tamping down the production of pro-inflammatory proteins. 

You’ll decrease ‘bad fat’: According to a study, dropping a few pounds was enough to decrease not only liver fat but also intra-abdominal fat. That’s the “bad” fat that clings to your organs and can trigger the release of molecules linked to a variety of health conditions. Reducing the amount of intra-abdominal fat may lower your risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Reverse insulin resistance: Body fat, especially in your belly area, gives off chemicals that make your body stop reacting to the effects of insulin, a hormone that keeps the level of sugar in your blood normal. Even though your pancreas works harder to make more insulin, your blood sugar can get too high. A little bit of weight loss can help reverse this effect. 

You’ll sleep better: Who couldn’t use some more quality sleep? One study from the University of Pennsylvania found that even a small amount of weight loss can improve sleep. That means you’ll have more energy and a better mood, too! 

Your mood will improve: Losing five pounds may make you feel happier, even if it’s just the kick-off to your weight loss journey. Research found that people experienced positive mental health benefits, such as higher measures of self-esteem, when they shed a few pounds, and sometimes when they didn’t lose any weight at all. 

So even if you aren’t seeing drastic results on the scale just yet, lifestyle changes like eating better and moving more can have countless positive impacts on your health. If you are having trouble with eating healthy or reaching your weight loss goals, call 973-235-9393 and schedule an appointment today.