Health Benefits of Weight Loss

Healthy weight loss is a pathway to a better quality of life. It is a transformative journey that goes beyond just shedding pounds, paving the way toward improved overall health and well-being. Many thousands of men and women begin their weight loss journeys every year, embarking on improved diets and increased exercise schedules that help them get fit, regain vitality, and boost their confidence.

Losing weight in a healthy manner is essential not only for achieving your desired physique but also for maintaining overall well-being. It also lowers the risk of developing many chronic conditions that can cause health complications, such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. 

At Southern Nevada Bariatric, Dr. Mustafa Ahmed, a board-certified bariatric surgeon and expert in weight management, understands the importance of a comprehensive treatment plan to ensure sustainable results. He provides individualized weight loss programs and bariatric surgical procedures to help overweight individuals reach their ideal weight safely and effectively.

Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight requires dedication and a personalized approach. If you’re seeking professional guidance and support, contact Dr. Ahmed at Southern Nevada Bariatric. Call us at (702) 626-0499 or connect with us online to discuss your weight loss goals and explore the options available to you.

Why is Losing Weight Important?

Scientists estimate that over 70% of the U.S. population is overweight. ⁽¹⁾ Losing weight is not just about achieving a certain aesthetic, it is about prioritizing your overall health and well-being. As a bariatric surgeon, Dr. Ahmed understands the importance of shedding excess pounds for numerous reasons.

Positive impacts of healthy weight loss include, but are not limited to, the following:

BMI & Obesity

The standard screening tool doctors use to measure obesity is body mass index (BMI). BMI is calculated using weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters. Higher values are measured in the following way: ⁽²⁾

Obesity can present numerous health challenges that can significantly impact a person’s life. From cardiovascular disease to infertility, its effects are far-reaching and require prompt attention. At Southern Nevada Bariatrics, we specialize in helping patients overcome these challenges and achieve a healthier weight.

Help Your Heart & Cardiovascular System

Shedding excess pounds reduces the workload on the heart. The heart is responsible for pumping blood throughout the body, and when it has to pump against the resistance caused by excess fat, it becomes strained. By losing weight, individuals alleviate this burden and allow their hearts to function more efficiently.

Weight loss also plays a crucial role in managing hypertension, or high blood pressure. Hypertension is a condition characterized by elevated blood pressure levels, which can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease. Losing weight helps decrease blood pressure, reducing the strain on the cardiovascular system and minimizing the chances of developing heart-related problems.

In addition to this, weight loss positively affects cholesterol levels. Excess weight often leads to elevated levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides, while simultaneously decreasing HDL (good) cholesterol. This imbalance can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque in the arteries. Through weight loss, individuals can improve their cholesterol profile, reducing the risk of atherosclerosis and its associated complications, such as heart attacks and strokes.

Reduce the Risk of Chronic Disease

Obesity is a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes. ⁽³⁾ Excess body weight places a strain on the body’s ability to properly regulate blood sugar levels, leading to insulin resistance. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, is responsible for controlling the amount of glucose in our bloodstream. When we carry excess weight, our cells become less responsive to insulin, resulting in elevated blood sugar levels.

By embarking on a weight loss journey, individuals can alleviate this burden on their bodies and improve insulin sensitivity. Shedding even a modest amount of weight can lead to substantial improvements in blood sugar control, reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Discuss your concerns with Dr. Ahmed at a personal consultation in Las Vegas. Call (702) 626-0499 or fill out a form for more details.

Increase Your Energy Levels

When we carry excess weight, our bodies must work harder to perform everyday tasks, resulting in feelings of fatigue and sluggishness. By shedding extra pounds, we can experience a significant boost in energy that enhances our quality of life.

One of the primary ways weight loss improves energy levels is by optimizing our metabolism. When we consume more calories than our bodies need, the excess is stored as fat, leading to weight gain. This excess weight puts added strain on our organs, muscles, and joints, causing us to feel tired and drained. Through a combination of proper nutrition and regular exercise, weight loss helps to balance our caloric intake and expenditure, allowing our metabolism to function optimally. As a result, our bodies become more efficient at converting food into energy, providing us with the vitality and stamina we need to tackle daily activities.

Saying Goodbye to Discomfort

Losing weight reduces the burden on our joints. Excessive body weight puts added stress on the joints, particularly in the knees, hips, and ankles. By losing weight, individuals experience relief from joint pain and improved mobility.

In addition to joint pain, carrying excess weight can also contribute to back pain. The spine is responsible for supporting the body’s weight, and when it is subjected to additional pressure, it can lead to chronic discomfort. Weight loss helps alleviate this strain on the spine, resulting in reduced back pain and enhanced posture.

Furthermore, weight loss positively impacts sleep apnea, a condition where breathing pauses during sleep. Obesity is a significant risk factor for sleep apnea as excess weight can obstruct the airways. By losing weight, individuals often experience a significant improvement in their sleep quality, allowing them to wake up feeling refreshed and energized.

Getting Rid of Excess Skin After Massive Weight Loss

Chaffing in areas that frequently rub together due to movement can lead to discomfort and skin conditions such as rashes and infections, even after massive weight loss. In many cases, patients choose cosmetic procedures such as the tummy tuck or liposuction to remove stubborn areas of skin and fat, allowing them to live more comfortably.

A Brighter, Healthier Future

Weight loss can have a profound impact on mental health, leading to improvements in several areas of psychological well-being. Obesity is often associated with negative mental health outcomes such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and impaired cognitive function. By shedding excess weight, individuals can experience positive changes in these aspects, resulting in enhanced mental well-being.

Depression and anxiety are also closely linked to obesity, as the physical and emotional toll of carrying excess weight can contribute to feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and chronic stress. Engaging in a weight loss journey can provide a sense of control and empowerment, reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Additionally, adopting healthier lifestyle habits such as regular exercise and nutritious eating can release endorphins, known as “feel-good” hormones, which further enhance mood and reduce stress levels.

Massive Weight Loss Procedures

Bariatric surgery is proven to be more effective in achieving sustained weight loss in severe obesity than either lifestyle or medications. ⁽⁴⁾ 

Sleeve Gastrectomy

Sleeve gastrectomy, also known as gastric sleeve surgery or vertical sleeve gastrectomy, is a highly effective surgical procedure aimed at treating obesity and promoting weight loss. It involves the permanent removal of a large portion of the stomach, resulting in a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach that restricts the amount of food you can consume.

Gastric Bypass

Gastric bypass is a surgical procedure designed to help patients lose weight by altering their digestive system. It involves creating a smaller stomach pouch and rerouting a portion of the small intestine, effectively reducing the amount of food that can be consumed and limiting the absorption of nutrients.

Cost of Weight Loss Surgery in Las Vegas

The cost of weight loss surgery can vary depending on several factors. At Southern Nevada Bariatric, we understand that each patient is unique and has specific needs when it comes to their weight loss journey. Our experienced surgeon, Dr. Ahmed, will carefully evaluate your medical history, body mass index (BMI), and overall health to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for you.

Contact us at (702) 626-0499 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Ahmed. Our friendly staff is ready to assist you and answer any questions you may have. Remember, investing in your health is priceless, and we are here to support you every step of the way.

To find out more about getting to a healthy weight, and to read more about bariatric procedures, please see the Southern Nevada Bariatrics blog.

References

1. Willoughby D, Hewlings S, Kalman D. Body Composition Changes in Weight Loss: Strategies and Supplementation for Maintaining Lean Body Mass, a Brief Review. Nutrients. 2018;10(12):1876. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10121876 
2. Panuganti KK, Kshirsagar RK. Obesity. Nih.gov. Published October 28, 2019. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459357/ 
3. Yashi K, Daley SF. Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes. PubMed. Published 2023. Accessed August 24, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK592412/#:~:text=Obesity%20is%20a%20significant%20risk 
4. Bostrom JA, Mottel B, Heffron SP. Medical and Surgical Obesity Treatments and Atherosclerosis: Mechanisms beyond Typical Risk Factors. Current Atherosclerosis Reports. 2021;23(10). doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s11883-021-00961-0