22 pound weight reduction has many potential benefits

Recently I read an article (chan,97) bestowing the benefits of losing 22 pounds when suffering from obesity related health issues. (ie. diabetes, hypertension, angina, high cholesterol). The message is much different then you might imagine.

A 22 lb weight loss has the potential of of the following: A) blood pressure (20 mm/hg drop in diastolic blood pressure and 10 mm/hg drop in systolic blood pressure), b) cholesterol (10% reduction in total cholesterol, 15% reduction in LDL cholesterol, 30% reduction in triglycerides, and 8% increase in HDL cholesterol) , c) Diabetes ( reduced the risk of developing diabetes by 50%, decreased fasting glucose by 30-50%, and Hemoblobin A1C levels fell by 15%), d) and Angina symptoms decrease by 91%.

A 22 pound weight reduction is very realistic in a 6 months period of time. Weight loss should always be gradual 1-2 pounds per/week and should be done under the guidance of a qualified health professional trained in nutrition, lifestyle, and exercise.

Note: losing weight, in my opinion should be a focus of those overweight and obese and not the focus of those of normal weight or underweight. Keep a healthy and accurate body image and compare yourself to reality and not to air-brushed images in magazines.

source:
Chan,F. 1997. Obesity as a Disease. British Medical Journal.53(No.2).307-321.