Can Losing Even a Little Weight Pay Off Big?

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If you're not at your ideal weight, you're not alone! Whether it's baby weight, the freshman 15, or a spare tire that just won't quit ... losing any amount of weight can seem pretty daunting. But did you know that shedding even a little bit of weight could have big benefits on your health?

For example, losing 5% of your total body weight can lower your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. And losing 10% of your total weight reduces your chances of having a heart attack, diabetes, stroke, certain cancers, and even dementia.

Losing weight and keeping it off take commitment and long-term changes to your diet and exercise habits. Evidence shows that people who lose weight at a gradual and steady rate -- about 1 to 2 pounds per week -- are more likely to succeed in keeping it off. So skip the fad diets and overpriced membership programs.

Healthy weight loss comes from a healthy lifestyle! Talk to your support team and health care team, and make a plan. Because there's so much you can gain when you lose just a little weight.