5 known reasons to take better care of your self

It seems that everywhere you look people are offering advice on why you should lose weight and how. It doesn’t matter if it is they New Year’s Resolution season, swimsuit season or President’s day, there’s always someone offering advice. That’s fine. Their advice is often valid as are their reasons. You’ll look better and feel better. You’ll live longer and stay healthier. However, there are more benefits to taking care of yourself than these seemingly obvious ones.

5 Little Known Reasons to Take Better Care of Yourself

#1 You’ll Save Money

Did that get your attention? In these tight financial times we’re all looking for ways to save money, right? Here are just a few of the ways taking better care of yourself will help you save money:

According to About.com health care expenses are higher for obese people, “in 2003 annual medical costs increased by $550 for each person with a BMI of 30 – 35 who did not have medical complications, and by $2,230 when the BMI was 40+ or when medical problems were present at BMI 30 – 35.lower medical costs."

The USDA report that for overweight people lifetime medical costs can be reduced by $2,200 to $5,300 following a 10-percent reduction in body weight.

Health insurance costs more if you’re overweight and out of shape and life insurance costs more. Those are two insurances people don’t want to be without.

#2 You’ll Have A Better Love Life
Yes, we mean sex. Scientists have studied the correlation between sex and fitness and have determined that obesity related physical conditions affect sex drive. According to WebMD up to 30% of obese people seeking help controlling their weight indicate problems with sex drive, desire, performance, or all three. Medical conditions such as high cholesterol and insulin resistance do impact sexual performance and desire. The good news is that a little weight loss, as little as 10 pounds, can release testosterone and stimulate sex drive in both men and women.
#3 You’ll Have A Profound Effect On Others

With more than 60% of the American population being overweight, most folks are looking for a little inspiration and motivation to live a better life. When you take control of your life and your health you’re an inspiration to those around you – you help improve their lives too. It really doesn’t get better than that

#4 You’ll Get More Respect And More Money
It’s a sad and disgusting fact that overweight people make a lower salary on average than non-overweight people. Yes, it is discrimination and it’s illegal however it still happens. Employers fall into the perception that we all do, that attractive and healthy people are somehow more productive. Some employers also argue that their employee health insurance costs are higher with overweigh employees and therefore justify the salary difference.


#5 You’ll Have Better Peace of Mind

According to a report published on the American Journal of Psychiatry, “some studies of clinical groups of obese patients report unexpectedly high rates of depressive and anxiety disorders.” Obesity affects hormone levels which influence sleep, mood, stress response and even immune response. In short, overweight people have a tough time just being happy simply due to the effect of weight gain on their body’s systems. Losing weight, through fitness and healthy eating, and modifying your lifestyle for lasting weight loss can have a profound effect on your overall happiness and peace of mind.

Yes losing weight, exercising and taking better care of yourself will help you look and feel better but the implications of good health are far reaching. Begin by taking small steps to modify your life and you’ll have lasting weight loss and a generally better life.