small amounts of weight loss have a significant impact

Many obese individuals fail to realise that even by losing 10lbs. or 20lb. in weight they can greatly improve their health. Even small amounts of weight loss have a significant impact on the health of your heart, your blood pressure and the chances of you suffering from diabetes. Recent research undertaken by Professor Lisa de las Fuentes at the Cardiovascular Division at the School of Medicine at Washington University has confirmed that weight loss of around 20lbs. in obese individuals led to considerably improved heart function a year after the weight loss had occurred.

Professor de las Fuentes also noted that individuals who lost weight even benefited from improved heart function two years after the weight loss despite having regained some of the weight. In all 60 obese people with BMI’s between 30 and 44 agreed to undergo a weight loss program using a low carbohydrate or a low fat diet over a two year period. The study required them to lose weight over a six month time period followed by eighteen months of regular heart and general health checks.

The study showed that over the two years the majority of participants ended up with a decreased thickening of the heart muscle which is often an indicator of heart disease. It was also noted that vascular health was much improved with better blood flow reported in arteries.  With obesity being the second largest preventable cause of death after smoking it is important that all people with weight problems realise that just losing a few pounds can make a big difference.  Obese individuals should not be fatalistic and depressed about their condition should be informed that they can make a measurable impact with a small amount of effort.

Professor de las Fuentes who also works as a heart specialist at the Barnes-Jewish Hospital spoke about how weight loss goals should be realistically attainable in the short term.