by Michelle Wilkinson

Created on: November 13, 2009   Last Updated: January 31, 2010

There is so much emphasis on losing weight to improve your appearance that it is easy to overlook all the other good reasons to lose weight. When you open a magazine you can read about how some z-list celebrity has shed a truck-load of weight in just a couple of months, and you convince yourself that if you follow their diet you, too, can look good. You don't think about the health implications or that you're most probably going to regain any weight you lose; you just have one thing on your mind - losing a lot of weight quickly so you can fit into smaller clothing and improve your appearance.

It is best not to think about weight loss as simply the best method of enhancing your appearance, though. Sure, it may improve the condition of your skin, hair and nails, and make you look younger, but only if you approach weight loss sensibly. If your weight continually yo-yos, as you go from diet to diet, then you will be doing yourself more harm than good. However, if you choose to lose weight by eating a balanced, calorie-controlled diet and exercising more then you will notice the benefits, and not simply when you look in the mirror.


Being overweight clearly isn't good for your health, and so choosing to lose weight is likely to improve this situation. Even if you lose just 10 per cent of your body weight you could significantly reduce your chances of becoming ill through heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes. You can reduce your cholesterol levels and blood pressure, and by losing weight your joints won't be under as much strain, making it easier for you to walk without discomfort. Indeed, you may find that aches and pains that you thought were normal suddenly disappear and that the coughs and colds you used to always find yourself coming down with no longer plague you.


Another good reason to lose weight is for the sake of your mental health. You may tell everyone that you're fat and proud, but usually the louder you shout this message the less true it is. Maybe you are comfortable in your skin, as you have simply given up trying to lose weight after experiencing too many failures in the past. You may want to be slimmer, but dare not to hope for the day that you are able to fit into a smaller pair of jeans, as you just don't have the confidence in yourself. Losing weight can help boost your confidence levels, as you start to feel as though you are in control of your eating. It also helps when you're eating a balanced diet as your energy levels won't suddenly plummet leaving you feeling weak and miserable, while doing exercise can also make you feel more positive and help you deal with stress, anxiety and depression.


Everyone has their own specific reasons for losing weight, and as long as these reasons inspire you to continue with your weight-loss program until you reach your ultimate goal, then that all that matters.

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