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Your physical wellness has a direct impact on your mental health. This inevitably trickles over into your work life as well. According to research from the Endocrine Society, obesity can make you significantly less productive than those within a normal weight range. This is often due to weight-related comorbidities like sleep apnea and hypertension, among others.
Staying productive and focusing on your tasks can be more challenging when your body is dealing with discomfort and pain. This makes weight a pertinent issue for remote workers and even office-based individuals who primarily sit at a desk throughout their work day. A sedentary lifestyle filled with stress makes it harder to keep your weight in check, but getting the help you need is worth the benefits that come with a healthy weight.
What is a healthy weight?
Healthy weight is not the same for everyone. Although body mass index (BMI) is still a common base point, it’s outdated to look at this as your sole resource for determining your health. It’s most important to break this down, consider your nutrition and the state of your muscles, and then calculate how much fat makes up your total body weight.
You must also factor in your age, height, and gender. Despite all these factors, it’s worth computing your BMI to get a range of what is ideal for you. This will let you know whether you are at a good weight or need to gain or lose weight. From there, you must check other physiological factors to better grasp your health status.
How to lose weight the right way
Weight loss should not be done by any means necessary. There is always a healthy way to go about things, even when you feel overwhelmed by your starting point. Medical practitioners offer GLP-1 for weight loss to patients who struggle with obesity. This medical intervention is meant to aid in weight loss, combined with therapy and exercise to ensure a true shift in lifestyle. Candidates with weight-related complications are often treated with this program to create sustainable changes.
Whether you are obese or simply overweight, it’s a good idea to incorporate adequate physical activity into your regular life. There are no “wrong” exercise regimens if you follow proper form and guidance. Find what works for you so you can feel motivated to keep pushing forward. You can even start with accessible yet effective stuff like yoga for neck pain, which can work for different skill levels to treat pain and aid in weight management. A sedentary lifestyle can be balanced with even just 30 minutes of purposeful movement daily, so you might want to start with something that doesn’t immediately put too much pressure on your joints. Something as simple as walking to work could greatly help your health.
Finally, you need to change your relationship with food. Losing weight shouldn’t equate to depriving yourself. Cut out junk food, drink at least eight glasses of water daily, and follow a balanced diet. This means every meal should have 50% fruits and vegetables, fiber-rich carbs, and 25% protein. If you binge or eat on a whim, try making a meal plan that maps out all your eating beforehand. Doing so will also help you plan what food you’ll buy and prepare.
Benefits of hitting a healthy weight
You may not think it’s too much of a big deal, especially if you’re “just” overweight. However, having extra fat in your system increases your risk for chronic diseases tenfold. You also immediately introduce yourself to a slew of hormonal shifts and physical ailments that can affect your quality of life. The World Health Organization notes that even being slightly overweight is a known health risk, with the likelihood of severe issues only multiplying as you gain even more weight.
When you’re at a healthy weight, you tend to have more energy and mental acuity. You also lower your risk for ailments that can lower your productivity. Blood pressure problems, joint pain, and chronic issues can be significant deterrents to your daily plans. By healthily maintaining your ideal body weight, you give your body and mind the room to be your best self.
You are more capable of performing tasks when you are physically fit. After all, it takes less time to get things done when you’re not contending with health difficulties. Moreover, you can become more efficient mentally when you’re in a positive place. Although your weight may not necessarily be directly linked to your mental health, many studies have found that being at an unhealthy weight makes you more prone to depression, anxiety, and panic disorders.
Maintaining a healthy weight also requires adjustments to your lifestyle. When you start forming healthy habits to achieve your ideal range, you are more likely to have the tools necessary to stay motivated and mindful. These are vital aspects of staying productive, doing well, and, most importantly, being happy.
