Increasing activity levels can improve health in many ways and also reduce the risk of a developing a number of health problems.
Being active itself seems to be the key factor, as many health benefits occur independent of any loss of weight. There is also plenty of evidence that even if you are overweight, if you are fit you are likely to be at less risk of ill health than someone who is slim but unfit.
improve heart health
...and help protect against developing heart disease.
Evidence suggests activity can decrease the chances of serious illness from heart disease by a half. It strengthens the heart, increasing its pumping power and improves circulation. It also helps lower high blood pressure and alleviate unhealthy blood fats, such as high cholesterol levels, which are risk factors for heart disease.
Body Magic success
At her heaviest Diana Herrett from Cambridgeshire was warned by her doctor that her health was at risk. High blood pressure, leg and back pains as well as frequent upset stomachs left Diana exhausted every day.
After losing a phenomenal 7st 11lbs to reach her target, Diana’s now enjoying her second wind!
“I’ve completely regained my former energy and zest for life. I do loads of Body Magic, using exercise as a form of relaxation. I used to knit and sew; now I can’t sit still long enough! I’ve recaptured my youth and want to climb mountains, walk in the countryside and cycle round our local reservoir in an hour. I’m sure that I wouldn’t refuse any kind of challenge now - just give me a chance!
“I love cycling, walking, running, swimming and I’m horse riding again for the first time in 30 years. I can do press ups for the first time in my life. I just love the feeling of bounding up the stairs two at a time; I can get so much more done in a day!
“All of my discomfort and health problems have disappeared and my blood pressure is back to normal. My doctor has told me that I’ve done more good for myself than any medication could have done.”
help reduce the risk of stroke
Being active and losing weight has beneficial effects on blood pressure and blood clotting and can improve circulation, leading to a decrease in the risk of a stroke.
protects against diabetes
Body Magic helps protect against developing type 2 diabetes and is important in the management of diabetes.
Being active improves the body’s sensitivity to insulin. This means the body responds better to insulin and can regulate blood glucose levels better. Losing weight can be of great benefit, but regular activity can even improve insulin sensitivity independent of any change in body weight.
Body Magic success
Barrie Walters from Shropshire lost an incredible 6 stones with Slimming World and totally transformed his body and health!
“My weight had increased over the years and I was eventually diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, with the condition steadily worsening. To make matters worse I also had dangerously high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Six stones lighter I have so much more energy than ever before and my confidence and physical health have really improved. My GP even reduced my diabetic medication – she told me that I’m the only person in her diabetic clinic to have their medication reduced. I’m hoping that it can stop altogether eventually!
can help reduce the risk of developing certain cancers
...such as colon cancer in men and women, and breast and endometrial cancer in women. According to researchers, being overweight and inactive produces hormonal and metabolic changes that create favourable conditions for cancer to begin. Losing weight, becoming and keeping physically active and enjoying a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, fruit and wholegrains (just like Food Optimising) are all great ways that together can help reduce the risk.
helps build and maintain healthy bones and keeps joints mobile
Taking part in weight-bearing activity, such as walking, jogging or dancing, puts additional pressure on the bones as they bear your weight when moving around. This helps strengthen bones and reduce the risk of osteoporosis, where bones become weak and more likely to break. Activity helps bones develop properly during childhood and adolescence. During middle and older age, regular activity helps slow the loss of bone.
produces stronger muscles, ligaments and tendons
...so that the risk of back pain is reduced and you are better able to resist injury through accidents. For older people the additional strength and balance helps them avoid debilitating falls.
Body Magic success
Susan Smith from Liverpool lost a breathtaking 5st 4½lbs to reach her target and help prevent painful dislocations.
“My weight affected my health and I kept dislocating my shoulder and knee, as the weight put extra strain on my joints. On one occasion I fell over while out shopping. My sister had to call an ambulance because I’d dislocated my shoulder and knee and couldn't get up. I just kept thinking how embarrassed I was lying on the floor, and how on earth anyone would be able to lift me up. The ambulance men were really nice and managed to put me on a stretcher and get me to hospital. It took about four nurses to help me off the stretcher though.
“Having that experience should have made me do something about my weight for good but it wasn’t until a few months later that I finally made up my mind. I had to undergo surgery to stabilize my shoulder and was asked by the doctors how much I weighed. I felt embarrassed saying I was 15 stones - although I knew it was actually more. Soon after that I decided to join Slimming World!
“The unlimited foods I can have with Food Optimising, plus never needing to feel hungry or deprived of treats soon ensured I was losing weight!
“I’m so much healthier these days - I haven't had any dislocations in almost two years and very little joint pain. I know I’ll stay at target because Food Optimising isn’t a diet; it’s a way of life that can realistically be followed forever without being deprived.”
enhance your immune system
A number of clinical trials have shown regular exercise is strongly linked to heightened immunity. Like Body Magic, the emphasis here is on regular - it is better to walk for 20 minutes three times a week than take a 4 hour hike once a month.
helps you feel good
Being active may help you improve your mood as it enhances seratonin and perhaps endorphins (‘happy hormones’). It has been used successfully in helping people overcome depression and anxiety. It will help you relax as the muscles lose their tension. It can give you a great sense of achievement and help raise your self-esteem, improve how you feel about your body and raise your confidence. Rather than zapping all your energy, being more active can make you feel more energetic and help you sleep better.
Body Magic success
Adrian Scott, from Gateshead lost a fantastic 3 stones after joining his local Slimming World group. Now he’s full of energy and confidence!
“Only weeks ago, I was suffering from bad lower back pain. I was so unfit that I was out of breath walking from my car to the front door. I would also use the lift to get up one floor of my apartment block!
“All of my joints were stiff and my skin was starting to look older. I cannot believe how much healthier I now feel since losing weight. I have no back pain at all and I can wash my car without resulting in agonising pain. I have so much energy and am sleeping much better.
“Due to my bad diet and heavy drinking, my work had previously suffered. I had poor concentration and a lack of energy. Now I can approach business contacts with a clearer head and much more confidence.
“Every aspect of my health has got 100% better. I can run up all of the stairs to my fifth floor apartment with ease! I feel GREAT! And it’s all thanks to Slimming World.”
Discover more about how the right kind of regular moderate activity is Magic for your weight.