Being overweight increases your risk of health conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. It can also increase your risk for osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, and other respiratory problems. Aim for a slow, steady weight loss. Even a small amount of weight loss can lower your risk of health problems.
What are the risks of being overweight?
Extra weight can cause many health problems, including the following:
- Diabetes (high blood sugar level)
- High blood pressure or high cholesterol
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Gallbladder or liver disease
- Cancer of the colon, breast, prostate, liver, or kidney
- Sleep apnea
- Arthritis or gout
What do I need to know about screening?
Screening is done to check for health conditions before you have signs or symptoms. If you are 35 to 70 years old, your blood sugar level may be checked every 3 years for signs of prediabetes or diabetes. Your healthcare provider will check your blood pressure at each visit. High blood pressure can lead to a stroke or other problems. Your provider may check for signs of heart disease, cancer, or other health problems.
How do I lose weight safely?
A safe and healthy way to lose weight is to eat fewer calories and get regular exercise.
You can lose up about 1 pound a week by decreasing the number of calories you eat by 500 calories each day. You can decrease calories by eating smaller portion sizes or by cutting out high-calorie foods. Read labels to find out how many calories are in the foods you eat.
You can also burn calories with exercise such as walking, swimming, or biking. You will be more likely to keep weight off if you make these changes part of your lifestyle. Exercise at least 30 minutes per day on most days of the week. You can also fit in more physical activity by taking the stairs instead of the elevator or parking farther away from stores. Ask your healthcare provider about the best exercise plan for you.