Another Reason to Lose Weight Now
Losing those extra pounds may restore some of the heart’s youth, according to a study published in the American Journal of Physiology. 1 The method of weight loss, from eating less, exercising more or a little of both, is less important than getting the weight OFF.
According to the study, weight loss is the single best way to improve cardiovascular health in overweight individuals. The study enrolled 25 men and women who were overweight, but not obese. After changing exercise and eating habits for one year, all subjects lost about 12% of their body weight. Ultrasound imaging of the heart showed improvement in the health of heart muscle and arteries in all 25 subjects.
Some of the benefits of weight loss, like high blood pressure or heart disease, take months or years to reveal themselves. However significant weight loss in overweight individuals produces immediate improvement in the health of the heart muscle.