When it comes to being healthy, most men are aware of the consequences of being overweight. But despite the unlimited access to health information, fitness programs, and fad diets, our nations obesity rates continue to climb each year.
As a health coach and healthcare provider, a major part of my job involves convincing people to improve their health by making better lifestyle choices. After years of practice, Ive come to realize that people are more likely to make healthier decisions if they can understand the benefits of changing their behavior.
With that being said, here are the top 5 benefits of maintaining a healthy weight.
1)You will live longer
It’s safe to say that living a long and prosperous life is the dream for every man. Having the chance to retire, travel, and live life on our own terms are highly attractive goals.
In order to reach these milestones, you must be healthy enough to even get there.
According to the CDC, heart disease is the number one cause of death for men, and claims thousands of lives each year (1). Being overweight puts you at an increased risk of dying from heart disease due to secondary conditions such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes.
By maintaining a healthy weight, you will live longer by reducing your risk for disease.
2)you will save money
To be honest, I can’t say that Ive ever met someone who doesn’t like saving money. Although I’m sure that most men feel the same way, the average man doesn’t realize just how much money can be saved by simply maintaining a healthy weight.
For instance, when someone is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, their life and health insurance premiums will almost certainly rise. If you also factor in the cost of buying medications and lost wages from sick days, you can see how quickly costs can add up.
By maintaining a healthy weight, you will not only improve your health, but also save thousands of dollars each year.
3)you will be more fit
The human body is designed for movement, and maintaining a healthy weight allows it to move as efficiently as possible. Being overweight can be physically debilitating because it puts a significant amount of stress on your body.
Carrying excessive weight can cause serious damage to joints such as your hips and knees. If this goes on for too long, you could develop a condition known as osteoarthritis, increasing your risk for future knee or hip replacements (2).
Being overweight can also affects your respiratory function. Every breath you take happens by a coordinated dance involving the muscles of your chest and abdomen. If you are overweight, those muscles will have to work harder, which can lead to shortness of breath.
If you maintain a healthy weight, you will have more energy, agility, and be able to take on almost any physical task.
4)you will look better
The discussion about weight is a sore topic for many people. Everyone wants to be accepted for who they are, and no one likes to feel ashamed about their physical appearance.
Although we should all have a spirit of acceptance, it’s a fact that humans are drawn to certain physical features. If you think about it, which man wouldn’t trade in a beer belly for 6 pack abs, bulging biceps, and a chiseled jawline?
It goes without saying that most men know how important it is to work out, and good news is that you really don’t have to spend hours in the gym in order to have a nice physique.
In reality, we all have a 6 pack and defined biceps, they are just buried under a layer of body fat.
Cutting down to a healthy weight will reveal your muscular physique, which will increase your overall attractiveness.
5)better sex life
Besides looking better and having more confidence, maintaining a healthy weight will also improve your sex life. Sex is an activity that requires a good amount of endurance and flexibility. Maintaining a healthy weight will improve your stamina, and allow you to have the most enjoyable experience possible.
Across the board, some of the biggest health concerns for men are erectile dysfunction and a decreased sex drive. These condition can be caused by a wide variety of things such as increased age, stress, and even certain medications. Although some of these causes can’t be prevented, there is one exception.
Obesity is known to be a major risk factor for the development of erectile dysfunction, and obese men are more likely to experience ED compared to men of normal weight. (3)
Being overweight can also negatively affect your sex drive. Testosterone is the primary hormone that fuels the male sex drive. Since obesity is linked to decreased testosterone levels, it can have a major impact on your sexual performance.
conclusion
Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most effective ways to improve your health and well being. By eating healthier along with regular exercise, you will be well on your way to becoming the healthiest man you can be.
For more information about becoming the healthiest version of yourself, please subscribe to my monthly newsletter and receive a free download of the: "Ultimate Weight Loss Checklist"
Thank you, and stay healthy!
Aaron Henry PA-C
Men's Health Coach