
Hi,
If you’re wondering wether you need to lose weight or not, or perhaps need a little more ‘inspiration and motivation’ to improve your weight loss efforts, then read on
Now, i have been around for a while and seen many lives destroyed by poor health – many of them through poor eating habits. I know – I have been there! Fortunately I learned how to lose weight and keep it off through healthy eating. Having gained weight during my marriage, I lost the excess weight and kept my size down to a healthy , proportional size for OVER 15 years). Even today with all the stresses involved in my current life, I am still relatively fit and healthy. Not too bad for a 58year old!. Exercise also figured into my weight loss and fitness regime but more on that in another article.
While it is not always your fault (we are expected to follow the guidance of so called “health professionals” – I have issues with their ‘professionalism’), there are many ways it is. Wanting a healthy body in the first place and secondly the discipline it takes to both lose and maintain a relatively healthy body (and mind).
So if you’re wondering why if (and why) you should lose weight, here are 12 reasons to lose weight…
1. STAY ALIVE!
Now this may seem obvious but when you look at the facts – it makes for some serious thought about your overall health and….reading. Personally, I have experienced a few close calls and still suffer the occasional health issue from ‘overexuberance during workouts or fitness training / methods’.
The C.D.C state that “people who are obese are at risk for many serious diseases and health conditions including “All Causes of Death” along with other serious health conditions including cardiovascular disease, cancer(s)…. The list just goes on and on.
In an article by Stanford Health Care, 300,000 DIE each year from Obesity related conditions – in the US! Globally, this death count from being overweight or obese rises to 2.8 MILLION/ year according to the World Health Organisation. The W.H.O go on to state that “1.9 Billion adults were overweight in 2016 and 650 Million obese“. More shockingly, 39 MILLION children Under 5 years old were overweight or obese in 2020.
Obesity is also a primary cause of sleep apnoea. Sleep apnoea is a serious condition restricting blood flow and vital oxygen to the brain whilst sleeping. This results in tiredness the following day making operating machinery and driving hazardous. Heart disease & failure, T2 Diabetes and the risk of D.K.A (diabetic keto acedosis), fatal influenza and pneumonia are also high risk conditions caused by excess weight and obesity.
2. Prevent Heart Disease….
“Heart disease (or hardening of the arteries) is 10x more prevalent in overweight / obese people than those of normal weight” (Stanford Health Care).

Obesity and Heart Disease. Heart disease is Closely Connected to Obesity.
You are 10x More Likely to Suffer Heart Disease in Obesity Conditions than non-obese conditions. Yet it is easily remedied with a healthier diet. Saturated Fats have recently been shown to improve health. This low carb custom diet can reduce your excess fat and improve overall health.
Image : AdobeStock / motortion
Heart disease itself:
- prevents you from engaging in quality time with friends and family,
- limits your driving abilities (and safety).
- restricts you to your home
- causes you to spend more time at the doctors surgery / hospital instead of living a life worth living.
- increases your medical insurance premiums
3. Peer Approval…..
Being overweight or obese has been proven to cause stigma from their “normal weight” peers. In a recent European study, 18.7% of people with obesity experienced a stigma from either :-
- Educators
- Employers
- Health Professionals
- The Media
- Even friends and Family
Yes, even health professionals – those people you turn to for help look at you with disapproval for being overweight or obese! And while there may be professional guidelines / laws put into place to prevent this – it still happens and always will!
And if that wasn’t bad enough, 38% of people with severe obesity are stigmatised! The stigma doesn’t end there, though! For school aged children, this figure rises with 63% of obese school aged children suffering bullying due to their weight.
4. Income…
“Overweight and Obese people receive lower incomes /wages compared with normal weight people” hsph.Harvard.
This may be due (in part) to the indirect costs in insurance premiums of employing obese people. Additionally, workers compensation payments for their obese employees are higher compared to their normal weight co-workers.
In a recent survey by World Obesity.org, people who are overweight or obese are losing out in employment….
“….obesity in adulthood is a disadvantage for employment. As adults, having obesity was associated with a greater likelihood of a lower status job, lower wages earned, and a higher risk of being unemployed compared to adults who did not have obesity.”
World Obesity.org
World Obesity.org go on to state …..
“In conclusion, there is weak evidence that childhood obesity has an impact on adult employment opportunities, but adult obesity does have an impact, and this may start as early as when a person first starts to look for employment. There is strong evidence of weight bias and stigma directed against people with excess bodyweight in the workplace. As a recent expert consensus states: “Weight stigma damages health, undermines human and social rights, and is unacceptable in modern societies”.
The stigma, however, will not disappear anytime soon. Your health (and wealth) is at risk.
Obesity Hurts Your Purse Directly!

Then there are the additional costs of being overweight / obese : –
- Increased Prescription Costs
- Transportation Costs – fuel economy reduces as vehicle+passenger weight increases
- Bariatric Surgery failures. Bariatric surgery is proving to be a failure for permanent weight loss “weight regain faster with commercial centres over non-commercial centres”. Source : Int. Journal of Obesity 2018
5. Prevent Type 2 Diabetes & Reduce Insulin Injections in T1 Diabetes

Not forgetting the daily issues surrounding victims of Type 1 and T2 diabetes – constant medical checks and the inherent costs involved from travelling to appointments and medications, the actual pain / discomfort from injecting yourself several times/ day and finger pricking to check blood sugar levels….
- Sight Loss. Diabetic retinopathy can be catastrophic for the patient. Loss of eyesight can result in loss of career / employment, driving abilities, family life and independance.
- Nerve Damage (Neuropathy). Neuropathy is caused through high blood glucose levels damaging the small blood vessels supplying the nerves. Neuropathy can cause loss of co-ordination, weakened limbs, incontinence and impotence. This can also lead to loss of employment, relationship problems, public embarrassment / humiliation through incontinence or become a “prisoner in your own home”.
- Foot Problems. Diabetics (both T1 and T2) are susceptible to to nerve and blood flow damage to their feet. Many diabetics have serious problems with foot health – many having one or both feet amputated at some stage.
- Hyperosmolar Hypoglycaemia State (HHS) is a life threatening state brought on by severe dehydration and very high blood sugars.
- Diabetic Keto Acidosis (DKA). DKA is a life threatening emergency where the lack of insulin and high blood sugars leads to a build up of Ketones in the blood effectively turning the blood into acid. This can severely damage vein / artery walls, chemically burn the heart and other organs. If untreated / not caught in time – total organ failure and death may occur. DKA can affect T1 and T2 Diabetics.
6. Increase Physical Abilities
Placing excess load or strain on the human body causes many physical problems – women with oversize busts regularly complain of back pain preventing or limiting their normal daily activities. Obese people place a substantial amount of strain on their hearts and joints. This in turn causes them to be slower at movement resulting in the employment stigma of “presenteeism“.
Losing Weight To a Normal Size improves :
- Sexual Performance and Enjoyment (1 comment on a weight loss forum states “having a longer usable length!“)
- Enjoy More Playtime with the Children
- Perform Chores faster leaving more time to live and have fun!
- Enjoy a more active lifestyle – adventure, sports etc
- “Fitness” attracts! Relationships blossom for healthier, fitter people.

Healthy Diets and Eating Bring More than Just Weight Loss !
Fertility improves with health. Folate (folic acid), Vitamin C amid other nutrients can increase fertility. Pineapple is a very healthy fruit to add to your diet for increased fertility. It has also been shown to enhance recovery from surgery.
7. Prevent Cognitive Degeneration & Dementia
A healthy, balanced diet brings in many nutrients that improve mental abilities AND prevent brain dysfunction or degeneration.

Switch On Your Cognitive Abilities with a Healthy Diet..
In a recent study (Aug 2018) at Trinity College, Dublin researchers discovered that in over 5000 adults over 60, cognitive impairment increases as waist : hip ratio increases. Simply, as your waist increases, your mental abilities reduce!
It is also know that a healthy diet rich in Magnesium improves gut biometrics AND reduces anxiety levels. Magnesium plays a role in OVER 300 Physiological reactions including : metabolism of food, creation of fatty acids and proteins AND the transmission of nerve impulses. All in a days work for “Little Old Maggie”!
Dementia is predicted to rise from 24.3 MILLION in 2001 to 81.1 M by 2040!
Cognitive degeneration also contributes to the rising occurance of fraud and theft from people with impaired mental acuity.
Improve Brain Function – Naturally..
Losing weight through natural methods will inherently improve brain function. The consumption of natural foods (esp fruit and veg) will provide the nutrition your brain needs to function correctly, increasing cognitive ability and awareness.

Elements from natures own pantry provide nutrients that:-
- regulate and reduce anxiety,
- improve nerve stimulation,
- reduce the risk of stroke,
- aids sleep, learning and memory,
- regulates appetite,
- prevent Alzheimers disease, mood swings and hormone regulation.
- Prevents the symptoms of ADHD.
8. Prevent Cancer
According to Cancer Research UK, being overweight or obese causes 13 Types of Cancer including..
- Oesophageal
- Stomach
- Bowel
- Liver
- Pancreas
- Gallbladder
- Breast
- The Uterus
- Ovary
- Kidney
- Thyroid
- Mycloma
- Meningioma
Each of the above forms of cancer brings its own unique health based restrictions to your lifestyle and appearance – bowel bags, mastectomies, personal oxygen supply, hair loss, loss of energy, dialysis….). Not forgetting the emotional turmoil that ensues. Not just with the treatment but with family and work issues.
Healthy diets have been proven to prevent or ward off numerous types of cancer including prostate cancer. Tomatoes contain Lycopene which has been shown (and proven) to protect the prostate gland from inflammation and cancer. Tomato puree / concentrate contains up to 1000x the amount of lycopene that plain tomatoes. I know – I have fought off elevated psa levels and reduced them to below ‘warning levels‘ simply by consuming ragu’s (chilli-con-carne, Bolognese sauce etc) rich in tomato and tomato puree.
9. Combat Depression
Depression has been closely linked with overweight and obese people.
“Overweight or obese people are often blamed for their condition and may be considered lazy or weak-willed…..disapproval of overweight persons expressed by some individuals may progress to bias, discrimination and even torment“. (Stanford Health)
Combating depression through professionals (psychologists etc) is time consuming, expensive and – unnecessary. Unnecessary because when you add a variety of health giving foods into your diet, the nutrients provided can include naturally occurring minerals that help to reduce or even reverse anxiety and even prevent depression. You should already be aware that chocolate can induce a release of the feel good hormone ‘Endorphin’. Well, that is just the tip of the preverbial iceberg….
A healthy, varied and balanced diet naturally incorporates natures own anti-depression compounds. Oranges contain good amounts of Magnesium which has been proven to improve mental health and reduce anxiety. A healthy balanced diet can actually reduce the effects of depression within days due to the increase in essential vitamins and minerals. Saturated fats have also been shown to improve overall wellbeing including lung health, cognitive abilities

Oranges For Vitality and Mental Health.
Oranges contain more than Just Vit C. They are a rich source of beneficial Magnesium which improves gut biotics and reduces anxiety and depression (refer to Reason #7 – Prevent Cognitive Degeneration and Magnesium) .
10. Career
Looking for career progression, new job or total change? Your excess weight is probably holding you back, or worse, stopping you completely!
Obese people are stereotyped as being slow, lazy and of low productivity value to employers. And while this ‘stereotyped persecution’ is made illegal in some countries, it still exists – just hidden beneath a different excuse for not employing you. “Unsuitable” is a employers like to use not to employ you when they don’t want to expose themselves to a law suit.
As a direct comparison, many employers look for sporting / athletic people. “Sportsmen” (and women) are focused on getting results – they want (and work hard) to WIN! They work hard at their objective until they achieve the desired goal. They are highly motivated and regarded as achievers and are great for business.
Ask yourself this question : –
“Why do you see so many sports people in high paying positions (advertising, fashion, TV presenting positions, consultants and CEO’s (Chief Exec Officers) / CFO’s (Chief Financial Officer) ?
Here are Just 5 Celebrities who have improved their lives through health, weight loss and fitness…..

Dwayne Johnson (aka The Rock) –
Born May 02, 1972, Dwayne found himself excelling in sports at high school. Later became bodybuilder & Pro Wrestler before turning to acting and starring in Hollywood Blockbuster Movies.
His movies include “The Mummy Returns“, “Tooth Fairy“, “Rampage“, “San Andreas“, “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle“, “Jumanji: The Next Level“, and many more including “Red Notice” released in 2021. (Source : Wikipedia )
Following his rise to fame as an actor and businessman Dwayne Johnson’s Net worth is estimated at $320 Million with an annual salary of $89.4 Million (June 02 2018 – June 02 2019) [Source : Sportskeeda ]

Arnold Schwartzenegger.
Broke, Austrian born bodybuilder moved to the US, achieved Mr Universe status and became the Hollywood legend from blockbusters like “Conan the Barbarian“, “Commando“, “Terminator“, “Predator” et al and now Politics!,
Time magazine named Schwarzenegger one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2004 and 2007 (Wikipedia)

Sean Connery. Yet another “Unknown bodybuilder” until spotted accepted the role of Bond Legend 007! Like many has experienced stratospheric success from his fitness, physique and focus on getting the right results.
Movies Include : “Highlander“, “Dr.No”, “Never Say Never Again“, “The Name of the Rose”, “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade”,”The Hunt for Red October”, “The Rock” and “Entrapment” with Katherine Zeta Jones. [Source: Wikipedia ]
In 1987, he was made a Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters in France, and he received the US Kennedy Center Honors lifetime achievement award in 1999. Connery was knighted in the 2000 New Year Honours for services to film drama. [Source: Wikipedia]
And it’s not just sports people who are making a success of their lives through engaging in health and fitness. Rebel Wilson and Dawn French are 2 great examples of successful people who have gained more fame through losing weight….

Rebel Wilson.
Born 2 March 1980, Rebel Wilson is an Australian actress, comedian, writer, singer, and producer. In 2012, Rebel appeared in the comedy films : “What to Expect when You’re Expecting“, “Struck By Lightning” and “Bachelorette”. [Source: Wikipedia ]
International movie fame includes her role as “Fat Amy” in the musical comedy “Pitch Perfect” and has since gone on to lose a substantial amount of weight.
“The Pitch Perfect star lost almost 80 pounds, reached her goal weight, and is now focusing on “maintenance” according to Womens Health.
“Rebel explained that she follows a high-protein diet. In an interview with People, the actress shared that she used to eat 3,000 calories every day”.
“Before I was probably eating 3,000 calories most days, and because they were normally carbs, I would still be hungry,” she said. “So, I’ve really changed to eating a high-protein diet, which is challenging because I didn’t used to eat a lot of meat. I eat fish, salmon, and chicken breast.”

Dawn French.
British actress, comedian, presenter and writer, Dawn French is known for writing and starring on the BBC comedy sketch show French and Saunders with her best friend and comedy partner, Jennifer Saunders, and played the lead role as Geraldine Granger in the BBC sitcom The Vicar of Dibley. [Source : Wikipedia]
Now, while Dawn actually built her career while being overweight, she had one Great advantage – her MASSIVE personality and cheery demeanor which gave her massive presence on stage. She is a bubbly character loved by many and has since gone on to lose 7 Stone increasing her popularity even further.
In a press interview, the star revealed she based her new diet on low-calorie meals and started exercising regularly. [Daily Express]
Just 6 examples of how focus on a sport and health can lead to great health and public greatness – be it in industry, commerce or entertainment!
Unlike sportspeople, overweight and obese people are prone to victimisation from their peers & employers receiving lower wages and loss of promotion.
If you’re looking for work, the situation is much harder as employers make ‘excuses’ NOT to employ you. While this ‘victimisation’ is frowned upon and prohibited, it still happens. The Big Question is ….“What are you going to do about it?”
11. Relationships
Being overweight or obese can have profound effects on your personal relationship(s). From school age through to adulthood, excess weight brings many trials and tribulations to overcome. Overweight and obese children have negative experiences during their vitally important formative years.
Overweight and obese children experience bullying and difficulty in developing fruitfull relationships from the associated stigma, physical (in)capabilities and the resulting depression.
In a recent study into obese relationships, obesity causes:
- Delayed dating in adolescents
- Early and risky sexual activities
- Increased friction between couples
- Intense personal and vicious arguments
Obesity and Sexual Health in Relationships
Obesity causes many other problems in relationships. Obesity results in infertility and consequently difficulty in conception among women. The resulting stress and arguments give rise to vicious arguments and (in some cases) separation or the expense of divorce
Overweight and obese men have similar problems. Problems that may cause the arguments from failed procreation – infertility. The excess weight (which typically gathers in the abdomen and lower abdomen / groin area) increases the internal heat in the groin damaging the number and quality of sperm – infertility. Poor nutrition contributes to this infertility and the energy to procreate and satisfy your partner.
Obesity in Men Causes:-
- Low testosterone levels (the male hormone responsible for a deep voice, larger muscles, development of male sexual organs, strong bones, sperm production and libido.
- In men over 40, a 1 point increase in BMI results in a 2% decrease in testosterone
- A 4” increase in waist can reduce testosterone levels by 75%
- Erectile Dysfunction. Obese men have an increased risk of Erectile Dysfunction. (Hormonal disorders & low testosterone levels are responsible for Just 3% of E.D cases). Studies reveal having a BMI of 28 increases the risk of ED by 90%.
- Obesity in men reduces the frequency of sexual intercourse.
- Male Infertility. A 3pt increase in BMI results in a 10% increase in infertility.
- Prostate Cancer. Men with a 43” waist are 2.4x more likely to need surgery than men with a 35” waist. The American Cancer Society reveal that “men who are overweight have an 8% increase in the risk of getting prostate cancer, obese men have a 20% chance and severely obese men 34%”. Obesity also causes a recurrence of prostate cancer with the added risk of it spreading to other organs and the bones.
Sources : Harvard Health (www.health.harvard.edu/mens-health/)
Poor diet and lack of effective exercise cause many relationships to suffer unnecessary stress and strain. Failure to please your partner and/or failure to conceive can result in vicious arguments. Additionally the unending stigma from peers, depressive moods and mood swings all contribute to the poor lifestyle suffered as a result of being overweight or obese.
Surgical Operations and Obesity
In addition, couples may opt for expensive bariatric surgery or surgical removal of the excess weight.
While being expensive, studies have proven bariatric surgery fails in long term weight loss – Bariatric patients tend to regain some or all of the excess weight after 12 months. This can result in resentment and dispair between the couple trying to have children or improve their lives artificially.
12 . See Clearly!
- What would You do without your sight?
- Do You Have the Funds to Live without Sight?
- Would You Cope Mentally if You Lost Your Sight?

What does Your Sight mean to You?
A healthy diet and lifestyle can :-
- Prevent A.M.D (Age-related Macular Degeneration). Recent high quality studies reveal that diet “may” affect individuals risks in relation to the onset of age related macular degeneration (eye disease). (Source: Wiley)
- Prevent Diabetic Retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy can cause catastrophic loss of eyesight.
- Improve peer relationships. Friends will notice your new, slimmer look and re-engage socially.
- Improve Your Career. Employers will see you as someone who ‘addresses an issue’ instead of hiding it. You’re an’action taker’. A pro-active person who resolves problems. Pro-active problem solvers are beneficial to employers / companies. Be an important member of staff, not just a ‘lump in the corner’.
Is it time to improve your health?
By reducing bad carbs in our diet to a minimum / low carb diet and increasing the beneficial nutrients from healthy foods (including certain saturated fats) we can ALL gain better health and live a better life.