When talking about weight loss, many people’s first thought is a specific number of kilos they’d like to shed. But could we think about the goal more broadly? Weight management isn’t just about the number on the scale – it’s an opportunity to comprehensively improve one’s health and well-being.
The good thing about obesity is that by treating it, you can achieve many health benefits simultaneously. As you lose weight, your blood sugar and blood pressure improve, and blood lipid levels get better. Symptoms of various ailments ease. Many report feeling more energetic after weight loss and experiencing a significant improvement in quality of life. The benefits of weight loss extend far into life.
Health Problems Related to Obesity Can Accumulate
Obesity is often not just one problem – it can be behind many ailments, and these ailments can accumulate in one and the same person.
Here’s a list of common problems:
- type 2 diabetes or its precursor
- high blood pressure
- elevated blood lipid levels
- sleep apnea
- osteoarthritis and other joint diseases
- fatty liver
- metabolic syndrome
- polycystic ovary syndrome
- asthma and other lung diseases
- coronary heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases
That’s why it’s important to think about what you want to achieve with weight loss. Is your goal better endurance, a pain-free daily life, better laboratory results, lower health risks – or perhaps all of these?
What is a Sufficient Weight Loss Result?
According to studies, even a 5% weight loss can help solve metabolic problems. If the goal is, for example, normalization of blood sugar in diabetes, a larger weight loss of about 10-15% is often needed. The same applies to sleep apnea or joint problems, for instance.
Read also: Weight management diet – 80/20 principle in eating
How is a Sufficient Result Achieved?
The foundation of weight management is always in lifestyle. Small changes that fit into everyday life lead to lasting results. Professional support helps to identify which changes are possible and effective for you specifically.
In addition, modern medical treatments offer effective support for weight loss. Fortunately, there are many options available today, and treatment can be tailored individually.
The goal of weight loss is not just kilos – it’s better health, better daily life, and better well-being. Think about what’s important to you. When the goal is clear, it’s easier to achieve – and support is available. Your goal, your path!
Book an appointment and take the first step towards a stronger, more energetic, and healthier body. When the foundation is solid, you feel good – and it shows in your daily life, endurance, and overall well-being.
Jarmo Kaukua
Specialist in Internal Medicine and Weight Management Physician
