For many people, being overweight or obese is sadly a way of life. And this is not being said for the sake of shaming individuals struggling with a weight problem. Moreover, the goal is to call attention to what has become an alarming national health crisis. According to a study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), some 32 percent of adults in America are considered overweight. Further, an estimated 37 percent are considered obese, the study also revealed. And these statistics are very worrying given the many diseases related to being either overweight or obese. In a separate study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), researchers identified a causal relationship between excess body fat and the following health problems:
- Hypertension
- High cholesterol
- Autoimmune disease
- Heart disease
- Gallbladder disease
- Low bone density
- Osteoarthritis and osteoporosis
- Respiratory problems
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Fibromyalgia
Along with these various health problems, the same CDC study noted that the life expectancy of individuals who are overweight or obese is significantly lower compared to that of those who are height-weight proportionate. Fortunately, many overweight and obese individuals in America have come to recognize that excess body weight can jeopardize their health. As a result, many have made exercising regularly a top priority.
What Happens to Our Body When We Exercise?
Aside from getting or keeping one’s weight under control, there are many more health benefits to be had for those who choose to make regular exercise a part of their lifestyle. The most notable of which include the following:
Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease – Whether you’re a fan of aerobic exercises or resistance training, you should know that both can significantly improve blood and oxygen circulation in the body. In turn, this lowers the chances of suffering from coronary disease, hypertension, and high cholesterol, all of which can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Stabilizes blood sugar levels – Along with lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease, regular exercise can also protect against type 2 diabetes by improving how the hormone insulin functions in the body. And for those already diagnosed with the disease, exercise can minimize the risk of severe diabetic complications caused by blood sugar levels that are too high or too low. These long-term complications include the following:
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Vision problems
- Foot ulcers
- Kidney disease
- Neurodegenerative diseases
Stronger bones and muscles – There is plenty of evidence that proves regular exercise contributes to stronger bones and muscles. And the benefits here are twofold in that the development of stronger bones and muscles lowers the chances of developing osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.
Reduced risk of developing certain cancers – Along with minimizing the likelihood of developing cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, and kidney disease, regular exercise also protects against certain cancers, such as breast, colon, uterine, and lung cancer. And this is because exercise, along with keeping body fat from spiraling out of control, reduces inflammation and strengthens the immune system, say many oncologists. Regular exercise can also benefit individuals already diagnosed with cancer. Multiple studies have found that just 30 minutes of daily exercise can make many anti-cancer treatments more effective.
Boosting low human growth hormone levels – Among the many hallmark symptoms of a human growth hormone (HGH) deficiency is weight gain. And it is something that the over 6,000 adults who receive such a diagnosis every year know all too well. For those who consider getting the treatment it can be useful to monitor the Sermorelin acetate cost as one most commonly prescribed GH brand.Studies show that regular exercise can help men and women lose weight while simultaneously boosting their low HGH levels. But it does not end there as regular exercise can also ease or completely resolve many of the other symptoms typical of low growth hormone levels, some of which include the following:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Low bone density
- High low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels
- Low energy
- Insulin resistance
- Chronic fatigue
What Happens to Our Brain When We Exercise?
Much like the physical body, regular exercise can provide numerous benefits when it comes to brain health. And this is backed by a study published by Harvard Health Publishing, the publishing arm of Harvard Medical School. In short, the same reduction in terms of insulin resistance and inflammation that comes from exercise also helps the brain to form new blood vessels. But it does not end there as exercising regularly also triggers a release of growth factors, which are chemicals within the brain that support healthy brain cell function. When all of these things happen, it can help prevent or lessen the effects of the following:
- Chronic stress
- Insomnia and hypersomnia
- Cognitive impairment
- Anxiety and depression
According to Dr. Scott McGinnis, a neurology professor at Harvard Medical School, these benefits and many others often become apparent within six months of starting a regular exercise regimen.
Final Thoughts: How and Why Exercise Makes Our Life Better
In summary, there are a host of health problems that come with carrying around too much weight. And they can affect everything from cardiovascular and mental health to sexual function and so much more. Fortunately, most of these issues can be resolved or even prevented with exercise. That said, the key to success is choosing one that you enjoy. After all, doing so makes it easier to stay consistent. Consuming a healthy, well-balanced diet can also help in this regard. Lastly, scheduling regular health screenings with a licensed physician is also a good idea as this can lead to the early detection of health problems that are equally harmful to your overall health.
