Over the past 20 years, there has been a dramatic increase in obesity in the United States, with more than one third of U.S. adults now diagnosed as obese.
Being obese or overweight comes with a large number of inherent physiological and emotional issues, so it’s no wonder people have several reasons for wanting to lose weight.
Asking yourself why you want to lose weight is a powerful motivator for taking action and maintaining your goals.
So let’s go over some of the top reasons WHY people want to shed the pounds and what motivates them.
To Maintain A Healthy Lifestyle
The number one reason for wanting to lose weight, cited by 73 percent of Americans who want to lose weight, is the desire to be healthy.
Being overweight increases the likelihood of developing potentially life-threatening diseases. If you’re overweight, you’re at a higher risk of developing heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.
Additionally, the risk of certain cancers like breast cancer is exacerbated by a high body mass index (BMI). Other diseases like sleep apnea can occur as well.
Avoiding these diseases can be a strong motivator for people to want to lose weight. Not to mention, living a healthy life leads to living a longer and higher quality of life. In turn, it means experiencing all the wonderful things that life has to offer.
Improved Mental Health
Many people who are overweight experience social shame and embarrassment about how they look. This can lead to insecurities that impact self-esteem and confidence, which could lead to depression and anxiety.
Feeling better about oneself is a compelling incentive to shed extra pounds. And 61 percent of Americans who want to lose weight state this as a reason why.
Possible Decreased Risk of Joint Problems
Joint pain can be debilitating and can worsen due to weight gain. In fact, nearly one in five Americans who want to lose weight (19%) cite joint problems as a reason to do so.
Being overweight can put strain on your joints (especially your knees and hips) and can lead to wear and tear on them, which promotes the onset of arthritis.
If you have weight-induced joint pain, losing weight and taking stress off your joints may ease your symptoms.
While your body can’t reverse arthritis or regrow cartilage, losing weight can help arthritic joints feel better and prevent further excess damage.
Develop an Energy Boost
When you lose weight you will likely notice that you have more energy. Nearly half of the Americans who want to lose weight (49%) state that they want to do so to boost their energy. When you are carrying around less weight, your body expends less energy to function.
Being introspective about the real reason you want to lose weight can be a means to success.
Healthy Role Model
Being able to be more active with your children is a BIG motivator when it comes to WHY an individual wants to lose weight. Not only will you gain more energy and be able to be more active with your children, but it also makes you a good role model as well.
Over the past three decades, childhood obesity rates have tripled in the U.S., and today, the country has some of the highest obesity rates in the world: one out of six children is obese, and one out of three children is overweight or obese.
Kids are inclined to follow in their parents’ footsteps — whether they’ll admit it or not. So when parents turn to a healthier lifestyle, their children will follow suit.
Saying ‘I Do’
Getting married is a major lifestyle change and it’s a major motivator when it comes to losing weight.
It’s natural for brides and grooms to want to look their best for their wedding day. In fact, 61.2% of brides and grooms-to-be achieved some level of success while working on slimming down for their wedding day.
Beach Weather
When the temperature rises, outfits of clothing change, along with talks about vacation and activities one will partake in. This time of year is sometimes referred to as “bikini season” and is a good motivator on why individuals want to shed some extra pounds.
What’s your reason?
While following a healthy diet and exercise plan will certainly help you lose weight, what drives people to lose the weight is what will help them to keep it off.
How AMI Can Help!
Atlanta Medical Institute is much more than just a weight loss clinic in Atlanta. We are your team of friendly and experienced professionals who want you to succeed.
Our weight loss specialists at our facility will not only help you shed pounds but also help you to feel healthy and happy, too.
We will be your partner through a journey designed to encourage your self-confidence as you work toward the body you’ve always wanted.
When you’re ready, come take advantage of our numerous services and discover a whole new you! Learn more and set up your free weight loss consultation online by Clicking Here!
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