We all know that weight loss isn’t just about aesthetics. There’s a much more important reason to prioritize a weight that’s healthy for you: your heart. February is American Heart Month, a time to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease, the most common cause of death in the United States.
At RVA Regenerative Wellness, we understand the challenge of trying to shed those extra pounds by yourself. That’s why Jennylle Zanzi, FNP-C offers personalized weight loss management programs designed to support you every step of the way.
Being overweight or obese can significantly increase your risk of severe cardiovascular problems, including coronary artery disease (CAD), heart attack, and stroke. Read on to learn about five key ways that weight loss can help keep you and your heart healthy.
High blood pressure (hypertension) can be a serious concern for people who are overweight or obese. When you’re carrying extra weight, your heart has to work harder to pump blood throughout your body.
Hypertension often has no noticeable symptoms in its early stages. But the increased workload on your heart can lead to a range of health problems, such as heart failure, aneurysm, kidney damage, and even vision loss.
Maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular exercise, and avoiding smoking are essential steps in reducing your risk of developing high blood pressure.
Excess weight can trigger your body to start producing more low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or bad cholesterol, and less high-density lipoprotein (HDL), the good cholesterol. High levels of LDL cholesterol can build up in your arteries, forming plaques that can restrict blood and increase your risk of heart disease.
When you lose weight, your body produces more good HDL cholesterol and less LDL. Studies indicate that losing even a small amount of weight can have a significant impact on your cholesterol levels.
Being overweight can interfere with how your body uses sugar (glucose) for energy. This disruption in sugar metabolism, known as insulin resistance, can increase your risk of developing high blood sugar and ultimately, type 2 diabetes.
Weight loss can improve your body’s ability to use insulin effectively, reducing your risk of diabetes and protecting your heart and blood vessels from the long-term damage that high blood sugar levels can cause.
Weight loss can do wonders for your circulation, allowing blood to flow more freely and deliver oxygen and vital nutrients to every corner of your body. Better circulation can leave you feeling more energized, your skin may even look brighter, and you can have more stamina for the activities you enjoy.
Almost half (45%) of individuals with obesity may be affected by sleep apnea, a condition where breathing stops and starts during sleep. These disruptions can deprive your body of oxygen, putting extra strain on the cardiovascular system.
Over time, sleep apnea can contribute to health issues like an irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, or heart disease. But weight loss can often reduce the severity of sleep apnea, along with other healthy lifestyle adjustments and treatments.
Conversely, good quality sleep can support your weight loss efforts. When you consistently get enough restful sleep, your body is better able to regulate the hormones that control appetite and cravings, making it easier to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Ready to look and feel your best? Jennylle can guide you along your weight loss journey with customized nutrition plans, hormone balancing, ozone detoxification, and innovative injectables like Semaglutide and Mounjaro. Contact RVA Regenerative Wellness in Midlothian, Virginia today or book an appointment online.
