Besides the obvious, which is wanting to look slim and sexy, losing weight has a lot of health benefits that will definitely impact life as one knows it. For example, losing just 5 pounds can make a difference in my ability to keep up with the kids I teach. It will also make my asthma less of a problem, not that I won’t have attacks anymore but I think by losing weight I can be better able to manage attacks because my heart and lungs will be stronger, right?

Other health benefits can include:

1. Less aches and pains, from joints to lower back, and even headaches and soreness.

2. Clearer and brighter skin free from acne, eczema and other kinds of skin diseases or irritations. I remember in an recent episode of Grey’s Anatomy, an extremely obese man found himself in the brink of death because his skin had rot under the folds of his belly. I think it goes beyond just simple hygene and yes, being overweight can make you more prone to these kinds of irritations.

3. Better blood circulation. When I sleep, I notice that my hand kind of gets numb on the side I lean on, I assume its because of the weight bearing down on that area for prolonged periods.

4. Better overall functioning. Being thinner can allow one to move around more easily and navigate in their day to day activities.

5. Psychological wellness. No matter how much I have learned to accept myself for who I am, I cannot deny that till now, being overweight can make me feel bad.

These are just among the reasons why losing weight is important. For me, the top reason for losing weight is that when I am thinner and healthier, I can be a better mommy for Bubba