3 ways weight loss improves your health

Weight loss is a common goal for many adults. And with good reason. According to the National Institutes of Health, more than two-thirds of American adults are overweight or obese. Maintaining a healthy weight and body mass index (BMI) is vital to your overall health. Here are three ways weight loss can improve your well being.

1. Cut your cancer risk.
Losing weight has many benefits, but one surprising advantage is that it can help reduce your risk of cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), there has been evidence that a higher amount of body fat is associated with an increased risk of cancer. Obesity increases the risk of cancers such as endometrial cancer, breast cancer and colorectal cancers. The cause for the increased risk? Individuals who are obese have chronic low-level inflammation. The NCI cites studies that indicate inflammation is a risk factor of cancer.

2. Help your heart.
It has well been established that obesity is linked to heart disease. The American College of Cardiology says that obesity is linked to heart disease, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Obesity is also linked to an increased risk of heart attack. Additionally, recent research suggests that a large waist size is one of the most significant risk factors for heart disease.

3. Get better sleep.
Have trouble keeping your eyes open during the day? Sleep apnea may be to blame. Sleep apnea is a disease in which a person does not breathe properly during sleep. One of the biggest risk factors for sleep apnea is obesity. Fat in the neck can inhibit breathing while sleeping.