Obesity

Health Benefits of Weight Loss

Research shows the following health benefits for weight loss:

• Weight loss may improve survival in those who have an obesity-related disease, especially type 2 diabetes.³
• A modest weight loss of 4.4 lb (2 kg) to 9.7 lb (4.4 kg) resulted in a significant lowering of blood pressure.⁷
• People with asthma who lost an average of 31.3 lb (14.2 kg) over 1 year showed improved lung function and overall health, and with weight loss, the number of severe asthma episodes (exacerbations) and oral corticosteroid courses were reduced.⁸
• People with type 2 diabetes who lost weight had lower blood sugar levels and were able to use less medicine to lower their blood sugar levels.³
• Sustained weight loss prevented new cases of type 2 diabetes in people who were obese.³
• People with obstructive sleep apnea who lost as little as 10% of their weight improved their sleep patterns and had less daytime sleepiness.³

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Author:	Jeannette Curtis	Last Updated: April 16, 2009
Medical Review:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Matthew I. Kim, MD - Endocrinology & Metabolism
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