There are a lot of health risks associated with being overweight or obese. It can increase the likelihood of developing health problems like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, strokes, and certain types of cancer. On a daily basis, it can lead to a constant feeling of lethargy and tiredness. It can even negatively impact concentration and increase the likelihood of depression.
Even if you own and use a set of scales, and measure your BMI, it is possible that you are overweight without even knowing it. Below are 5 telltale signs that it is time to consider losing weight, as well as some tips to start you on the road to weight loss.
One: Poor sleep patterns could be a sign of being overweight. This is especially true if you have recently gained a few pounds, and this coincides with sleep problems. Ask your partner if you are snoring more than usual (we’re sure they will let you know). If you are snoring more than usual, and waking up feeling exhausted, this could be a sign of sleep apnoea, which is commonly brought on by gaining weight.
Two: In fact, tiredness is a good measure of possible weight problems. Excess fat causes internal inflammation which, in turn, can lead to a constant feeling of tiredness. It is natural to feel tired when you first wake up, and late at night, especially after a hard day, but if you find that you feel tired all day, every day, then this might be cause for concern.
Three: Tiredness isn’t the only indicator of being overweight. A constant feeling of hunger, despite the fact that you eat well and eat regularly, could be a hidden symptom of insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes.
If you also feel thirsty, have a tingling sensation in your hands and feet, and if you have had a high BMI for an extended period of time, it is a very good time to make an appointment and see your doctor. They will be able to test you for diabetes, and they will also check your BMI and bodyweight. Online consultations enable you to discuss your weight with a doctor, even if you don’t have the time to make an appointment or don’t enjoy visiting the doctors.
Four: As you age, it is possible that you will start to suffer pain in the knees, hips, and feet. There are a number of conditions that can cause this type of pain. One such condition is being overweight.
If you are carrying extra pounds around, it means that your body is having to carry this extra weight. Ultimately, it is the knees, hips, and feet that do all the work and this is why being overweight can lead to pain in these areas. The tissue around your joints may have worn down, but there are ways that you can counteract and combat this problem, starting with shedding extra weight.
Five: It is normal to gain weight over time. Many people gain and lose a few pounds over the course of a month, and sometimes this can be attributed to illness, periods, or other factors. However, be honest with yourself. Have you gained a few pounds, a few times over the past year? It is very easy to ignore a couple of extra pounds at a time, but if you look back to how you were a year ago, is it possible that you’ve gained more than this?
Start by making reasonably small changes. Cut down on sugars and starches carbs. Doing this will help lower your hunger levels so you will consume far fewer calories. Cutting carbs also lowers insulin levels which expels sodium and water from your body. It is not uncommon to lose pounds of weight in the first few weeks just by making relatively simple changes to your diet like this.
Include a source of protein, a fat source, and some low-carb vegetables in every meal. This will help you to avoid sugar and reduce your carb intake, but it will also increase your metabolism and reduce cravings for food over the course of the day. Adding protein to your diet is one of the most effective ways to easily improve your diet and aid you in your goal of losing weight.
Start exercising more. If you currently lead a very sedentary lifestyle with little exercise, even making small changes like walking to work can help. You can perform some exercises at your desk while at work, and as you continue to exercise and increase your effort, you will find that the results are magnified so that you can enjoy significant physical improvements, as well as weight loss. Gain in confidence while losing weight.
