Knowing when you need to lose weight should be obvious. But sometimes our self-image is different from what we see in the mirror. Or maybe you don’t step on the scale regularly. And sometimes our lives are so busy that our exercise and healthy eating takes a backseat, letting the weight creep on. You can take control by looking for the signs that you need to lose weight.
1 – Physical Activity is Challenging
Do you feel tired climbing up a staircase? Do you get winded from the tiniest bit of exercise or get out of breath just doing regular activities? Then it’s time to start thinking about losing weight.
When you carry extra weight, that weight places excess strain on your heart, forcing it to work harder. Physical activity demands even more oxygen, making it hard for your heart to keep up. If you become winded easily when doing simple daily activities like walking across a parking lot, it’s time to consult a weight loss doctor.
2 – You are Constantly Hungry
When you are overweight or obese, you tend to be hungrier than those who are at a normal range. The more you weigh, the more calories you need in order to maintain that weight. Often overweight individuals crave empty calories from sweets or processed foods, which in turn leads to more cravings. Constant hunger is also a sign of insulin resistance, a precursor to diabetes.
3 – Your Doctor or Your Numbers Tell You
If you’ve recently had a visit to your doctor, they may tell you straight out that you need to lose weight. And if they don’t, your numbers will tell you. Your BMI is the first indicator. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, or being borderline diabetic are all signs you need to start paying attention to your weight. Weight loss can change these numbers back to a normal range.
4 – You are Told You Snore
Loud snoring with gasping sounds is a symptom of sleep apnea. This is a condition where you stop breathing repeated for 10 seconds or more while you sleep. It is a result of decreased oxygen in the blood. It can cause you to wake many times during the night, making you tired the next day. The most common cause is excess weight and obesity.
5 – Your Joints Ache or Hurt
Your knees, hips and back ache all the time. Excess weight puts pressure on your joints. It grinds down tissue, causing osteoarthritis to set in. This can make movement uncomfortable and difficult.
6 – You Don’t Feel Good
If you feel fatigued a lot of the time, have very little energy and you are tender to the touch, it can be from inflammation caused by being overweight. Feeling achy can be the result of excess fat, and constant fatigue can be a result of internal inflammation.
7 – Your Clothes Don’t Fit
You live in comfy sweats because you favorite jeans no fit. This is likely a sign you’ve started putting on extra weight. It’s probably time to start getting healthy before your weight gets worse.
Did any of these signs and symptoms hit too close to home? If so, give yourself credit for recognizing it’s time for change.
