Managing weight-related conditions is one of the most rewarding aspects of overall weight management. Though many people choose to lose weight for appearance’s sake, the benefits of feeling better and healing your body are simply astounding!

In fact, weight-loss of just 5-10 percent can have miraculous effects on the body and improve a great number of weight-related conditions you may have struggled with before. It doesn’t take a significant amount of weight-loss to start feeling better. As we say here at the Your Weight Matters Campaign, your weight matters – for your health!

What are Weight-related Conditions?

Overweight and obesity are associated with many different related conditions. Unfortunately, these conditions often lead to decreased quality of health and life for those affected. Below you’ll find a list of some, but not all, of these conditions. But remember: it’s important to talk with your healthcare provider about any conditions you have or are concerned with before taking action.

• Some cancers – Esophagus, colon and rectum, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, liver, etc.
• Diabetes – Primarily Type 2 Diabetes (non insulin-dependent)
• Gallbladder Disease – Inflammation, infection, stones, obstruction
• Heartburn – Painful burning in esophagus, chest, neck or throat
• Heart disease – Affects the heart’s ability to function normally
• High cholesterol – Presence of excess fatty substances in the blood
• High blood pressure – When blood pressure frequently goes over 140/90 mm Hg
• Osteoarthritis – Causes deterioration of joint cartilage and the formation of new bone
• Psychological depression – Feeling prolonged sadness and despair that affects life quality
• Sleep Apnea – Episodes of stopped breathing during sleep
• Stroke – A blood vessel supplying blood to the brain bursts or is blocked by a clot

Managing Your Weight and its Related Conditions

As you’ve now seen, many of the above conditions are worsened by carrying excess weight. However, even a small amount of weight-loss can improve these conditions significantly. Weight-loss isn’t just about looking “thinner” or fitting into new clothes. It’s about improving the health of your body as a whole and feeling better so you can do everything in life you want to do.

If you’re just embarking on the journey with weight management, or you have current concerns about weight-related conditions, always remember to consult with a healthcare professional first! A thorough exam will give you a good idea of your health status. Clinics, hospitals and medical centers are equipped with machines and tools to measure your risk for weight-related conditions.

While medications and additional treatment options may help improve these conditions, lifestyle adjustments can also help you make healthy physical and mental changes:

• Eating a whole, lean, reduced-calorie diet rich with nutrients
• Exercising consistently (at least 150 minutes each week)
• Reducing your stress levels
• Drinking plenty of water each day
• Improving sleep quality with seven to ten hours each night
• Quitting smoking and drug use

Want more information about improving your weight to improve weight-related conditions? The Obesity Action Coalition has a detailed list of related conditions and what they mean. For information about different treatments for overweight and obesity, please CLICK HERE.