5 Ways Weight Loss Supports Improved Cardiovascular Health

You likely know friends or acquaintances who have tried new weight loss drugs. These drugs have been in the news because they work. If you’ve been on the merry-go-round with unsuccessful weight loss efforts in the past, today you can turn the page. 

Letrice Mason, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, our board-certified nurse practitioner with Her Down There works with many women who struggle with their weight. And now we have new tools to help you make your weight loss journey a success. 

When you lose weight, you improve your overall health in a number of ways. Your excess weight puts a strain on your heart. 

This month is American Heart Month, bringing awareness to the public that heart disease is still the No. 1 killer in America. Check out these 5 ways that losing weight helps you improve your heart health. 

Reduces blood pressure 

If you’ve been overweight or obese for a while, there’s a good chance you’re on blood pressure medication. Excess weight increases the risk of high blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure and are being treated for it, you already know that it can lead to heart disease, stroke, and organ damage. 

When you lose weight, your heart doesn’t have to work as hard to pump your blood. You ease the pressure on your blood vessels and arteries, thus reducing your blood pressure. Even a modest weight loss can help. 

Improves blood sugar levels

If you’re significantly overweight, you may be prediabetic. Being overweight or obese increases your risk of Type 2 diabetes. If you’re already diabetic, you have high blood sugar levels, and you take insulin or other medication to help regulate your blood sugar. 

There’s a close link between diabetes and heart disease. High blood sugar can damage your blood vessels, leading to heart disease. If you have diabetes, you increase your risk of cardiovascular death. 

If you lose weight and keep it off, your body uses insulin more effectively. You’ll likely be able to reduce the amount of medication you take. You might even be able to eliminate the need for medication. In addition, you reduce your risk of heart disease and other health complications. 

Improves cholesterol profile

If you lose weight, your HDL (good) cholesterol level is likely to increase, and your LDL cholesterol (unhealthy) is likely to decrease. This improves your heart health, as it lessens the chances of plaque building up and causing a blockage in your arteries (coronary artery disease). 

Decreases inflammation in the body 

Body fat produces inflammatory chemicals. When you decrease body fat, you lower levels of inflammation. Chronic inflammation is linked to adverse health conditions including cancer, heart disease, arthritis, Alzheimer’s, and other diseases. 

Lowers risk of metabolic syndrome 

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of health conditions that can lead to heart disease. Metabolic syndrome means you have 3 of the following 5 health issues: obesity with a high degree of abdominal fat, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high LDL cholesterol and low HDL cholesterol. If you lose weight, you lower your risk of metabolic syndrome. 

Call Her Down There in Houston, Texas, for effective support in your weight loss journey. You’ll not only feel better; you’ll also be healthier.  We also offer telemedicine services from our office in Arlington, Texas.