by April Wilson

Created on: November 20, 2009

There are many good reasons to lose weight.

1. Health

Having too much weight, especially when it's mostly comprised of fat on the body can lead to significant health risks. High blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, PCOS and other lesser hormonal imbalances, respiratory troubles, reduced immune function, reduced vitamin absorption (especially Vitamin D through sunlight), increased depression and other mood troubles.

Nearly every part of the body is in some way affected for the worse by having too much fat on the body. While thin people do get some of these issues as well, thin and fit aren't necessarily the same thing. i.e. some people just have naturally high metabolisms and watch TV and eat Cheetohs all day. These people have many of the same health risks it just didn't show up as fat on them.

If it showed up as fat on you, then losing weight will most likely reduce your risks for all these problems because of the lifestyle changes you'll need to make in order to lose weight and keep it off.

2. Fitness

Health and fitness go hand and hand, but losing weight doesn't necessarily indicate both. You can lose weight by going on a diet and while it will reduce your health risks for certain things, it won't reduce your risks for as many things or as well if you don't include physical activity.

However, some people when they start to lose weight really can't be very physically active because the fat has hampered their mobility and fitness abilities. As you lose weight and start on fitness a little at a time, your fitness levels will increase. (lighter bodies are easier to move around.)

3. Vanity

Yes, vanity is a good reason to lose weight. There is nothing wrong with wanting to look good, and if that's what motivates you, then rock on. Too many people discourage others from losing weight for "vanity reasons" saying instead they should lose their weight for health and fitness reasons. But why do other people get to decide for you what's important? Maybe looking good is a better motivator for you than health and fitness which can feel a little abstract unless you're suffering from problems you'd like to solve right now.

If it is, then go with what motivates you. Even if you start out with a vanity motive, when you start to see the health and fitness benefits, those things might become higher motivators as well.

4. Increased self-esteem and success in other areas

Weight is often the monkey on your back that drags you down and makes you feel like you can't do anything right. Losing weight can become a huge confidence booster. When you tackle a challenge like this and succeed where so many others have failed, it will give you a sense of control over other aspects of your life at work and home.

Added self confidence makes you productive in other areas of your life as well.

Everyone's reasons for losing weight are different. Find what motivates you and then go with it. Don't worry about what other people think is the best reason for losing weight. If it's something that is important to you, you should do it.

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