We all know being overweight is unhealthy, but do we really know why? Most of us would jump straight to diabetes if asked, but that’s just one of the many ways your weight could be affecting your health.

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Follow Your Heart

Extra weight increases your chances of high blood pressure and high cholesterol, in turn increasing the risk of heart disease or a stroke. Your weight also affects the production of the insulin hormone, leading to diabetes, which can increase your risk of heart disease. Regular exercise, on the other hand, is proven to lower your risk of heart disease… it’s a no brainer really!

Don’t Be a Lazy Bones

Being overweight can cause havoc with your bones! Just 10 extra pounds can add 40 pounds of pressure to your knees and other lower body joints. Fat can also cause inflammation as chemicals damage tissue in your body. Extreme cases include Osteoarthritis and Gout, where crystals are deposited on the joints. So, get moving before your own body stops you!

Get Some Zs

Sleep disorders are common amongst overweight people, the most dangerous of which is sleep apnia. It causes you to stop breathing at some points during the night – scary enough as it is, right!? This makes your oxygen levels drop and can lead to increased risk of stroke and diabetes. So the next time your sleep is less than silent, remember, it’s your daytime activity that can really make the difference!

Cut Out Cancer

Whilst we’ve broken through the 50% curability barrier (woooo!), there’s still a long way to go with cancer research. If someone told you that park run could be the difference between life and death, would you really want to risk it? With the extra weight comes extra risk of cancers of the colon, breast, kidney, oesophagus and many other reported links. Keep the deadly disease at bay by keeping your weight down.

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Feel More Mindful

If you’re struggling with your weight, chances are you’re probably not doing a lot of exercise. A sedentary lifestyle does nothing for your mental health and might even make you feel trapped in a cycle of negative thoughts. In the words of Elle Woods: “exercise releases endorphins; endorphins make you happy”. It doesn’t have to be expensive and you don’t even have to leave your own house if you don’t want to. Take a look at the best total gyms on the market for a bit of inspiration!