Taking care of your body helps fight everything from back pain to chronic illnesses. One of the most important aspects of health care is maintaining a healthy weight. Your ideal weight typically depends on your age, gender, and height. Understanding some of the reasons why experts recommend this may give you the motivation you need to change your lifestyle. To help you stay healthy, here are a few reasons why losing weight may improve your wellness.

Why Health Care Providers Recommend Losing Weight

1. Boost Heart Health

Being overweight or obese is associated with heart disease and high blood pressure. The American Heart Association recommends keeping your weight in a healthy range or at least losing a few pounds if you're overweight. This helps improve circulation and cardiovascular function.

2. Prevent Some Cancers

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 13 different types of cancer are associated with being overweight. This figure accounts for around 40% of all cancers diagnosed in the U.S. Health care providers are more likely to diagnose people between the ages of 50 and 74 with these conditions. This means that shedding a few pounds may not only increase your life expectancy, but lower medical costs associated with treatment.

3. Mitigate Depression

If you have depression, obesity can make your symptoms worse. This may mean longer and more frequent episodes. Even if you don't have this condition, being overweight can cause feelings of hopelessness, which may negatively affect your mood and mental health. Not only does weight loss offer a solution, but the steps you take to lose excess pounds— including exercise and diet changes—  also release endorphins in your brain to improve your mood and outlook.

If you need medical help with weight loss, visit Spectrum Healthcare in Cornelia, GA. Serving Habersham County, this health care center provides everything from massage therapy and physical rehabilitation to chiropractic work. Led by Dr. Corey Mote, they offer integrated, comprehensive, skilled, and reliable care. Call (706) 778-0077 to schedule a visit, or learn more about their weight loss program online.