Weight loss: Advantages and Disadvantages

In the complex world of medical science, weight loss, in terms of physical fitness, occurs when body mass is reduced. It can also occur due to factors such as the body being deprived of significant amounts of fluids or body fat, when the individual concerned has an underlying disease or when an effort is being made to improve his or her physical state through dieting and exercise.

There are physical disorders, such as diabetes, diarrhoea and the dreaded Human Immunodeficiency Virus that are known to cause unintentional weight loss. When a person has diabetes, he or she loses a huge amount of blood sugar (glucose) and insulin. This speeds up the process of breaking down tissue and muscle, which results in reduced lean and body fat mass and in turn leads to weight loss. If this is left untreated, the lack of nutrients in the bloodstream and the sudden breakdown of tissue and muscle will inevitably result in illness.

People who intentionally lose weight, on the other hand, have to research which foods they need to reduce their intake of. Those who do not care about weight loss simply keep eating what they like, regardless of the quantity. Comfort foods that cater to their psychosocial needs, such as stress management and feelings of sadness, are consumed without any thought. The result of all this can include difficulty in maintaining weight, high cholesterol levels and health problems associated with weight loss.

We only have one body, so take good care of it by consulting a doctor to discuss which weight loss programme will work best for you and your lifestyle.