Newswise — If you’re trying to lose a lot of weight, and
progress is slow, take heart. Losing just 5 percent to 10
percent of your body weight can have long-lasting health
benefits.
Moderate weight loss has received increasing attention as a
strategy for those who are overweight or obese. And unlike
many weight-loss programs in which most people regain the
majority of the weight they initially lost, this type of
weight loss is more likely to be maintained over a longer
time.
The January issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter covers
potential benefits from moderate, sustained weight loss:
Hypertension -- Several studies have shown that
moderate weight loss -- around 5 percent -- can reduce or
eliminate the need for medications that lower blood
pressure.
Diabetes -- Studies of people at high risk of
diabetes showed that moderate weight loss from dietary
changes and moderate exercise can delay and possibly prevent
type 2 diabetes. A weight loss of 5percent to 7 percent was
linked to a 58 percent reduced risk of diabetes.
Heart disease -- Ten percent weight reduction may
reduce your lifetime risk of developing heart disease by up
to 4 percent.
Stroke -- Sustained moderate weight loss may reduce the risk
of stroke.
Sleep apnea -- One study compared the prevalence of
this sleep disorder in overweight participants before and
after weight loss. Those who lost a moderate amount of
weight experienced a 14 percent to 26 percent decline in the
number of occurrences of abnormal overnight breathing.
Life expectancy -- Depending on your age and body
mass, a sustained 10 percent weight loss can increase life
expectancy.
Mayo Clinic Health Letter is an eight-page monthly
newsletter of reliable, accurate and practical information
on today’s health and medical news. To subscribe, please
call toll free 800-333-9037, extension 9PR1.
Fast track weight loss with vegetables in your daily diet
Fast track weight loss with 
