5 important signs that it's time to lose weight, Doctor's advice

 Weight can be a matter of choice. If you are not happy when you step on the scales, you may choose to change your diet and shape. But losing a few pounds is not always an option, because being overweight can affect your health and well-being. It's not always easy to spot the warning signs. So today we present five telltale signs that you need to lose weight - on doctor's orders!

• 
  
• We spoke to Mike Bohl, MD, MPH, ALM, Director of Medical Content&Education at Ro and member of our Medical Expert Board, who explains, "The driving force behind losing weight is appearance. But obesity is also a risk factor for many diseases."chocolate mint chip ice cream,                                                    
• From a medical perspective, there are several warning signs that tell you it's time to shed a few pounds. Your doctor will help you with this, and it's important to go for regular medical check-ups. Knowing about dangerous symptoms can be helpful in spotting problems before they escalate. Read on to learn the telltale signs that indicate you should lose weight, according to MD. And next, read 5 simple daily habits to cut calories and lose weight, says an expert.

1

You have high blood pressure.
measure blood pressure

One of the most common chronic conditions in people who are overweight is high blood pressure. This condition puts you at risk of stroke, heart disease, kidney disease and more.

Dr Bohl tells us, "While there are many medications to treat high blood pressure, one of the most important things you can do to manage it is to lose weight. So if your doctor tells you your blood pressure is rising (or if you measure it yourself and find it's regularly high), it's time to diet and exercise more."

2

You get a positive blood test for high cholesterol or pre-diabetes/diabetes.
concept of a positive high cholesterol test

Another reason regular physical exams are important is so your doctor can determine if you need blood tests that may indicate pre-diabetes, diabetes and high cholesterol. Diabetes and high cholesterol are serious chronic diseases that can damage your kidneys, nerves and eyes, as well as blood and cardiovascular disease and more. The good news is that you can at least partially manage both diseases by losing excess pounds.

History continues

"If your doctor tells you that your cholesterol is too high or that you have diabetes or prediabetes, it's time to lose weight," Dr Bohl tells us.

RELATED: Transform your body after 60 with these weight loss tips

3

You snore at night.
man snores in his sleep

Dr Bohl explains: "Sleep apnoea is a condition characterised by disturbed breathing during sleep, and one of the biggest risk factors is obesity. Sleep apnoea can cause sleep to be non-restorative, leading to daytime sleepiness and also increasing the risk of chronic diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes." So if you are sawing wood at night while you sleep, take it with a grain of salt.

4

You are in pain due to the excessive stress your body is experiencing.
overweight woman having knee pain when walking, concept of signs that you need to lose weight

Dr Bohl points out, "Being overweight by definition makes you heavier, which puts more stress on the body. There is more stress on the joints and spine, and your muscles have to work harder to maintain your posture and move your body. As a result, being overweight can lead to pain, whether in your knees, lower back or elsewhere. Any new onset of pain that you are unsure about should be discussed with your doctor. However, if you both think it might be related to your weight, it's time to shed a few pounds."

5

You find it harder to do everyday tasks.
woman tired cleaning at home, signs that you need to lose weight

If you are used to doing certain tasks every day and suddenly find it harder to do them, there might be something wrong with your body.

Dr Bohl warns: "If you find that it's getting harder and harder to walk long distances or climb stairs without getting short of breath, it's time to find out if obesity is the cause."

RELATED: 26 surprising reasons for your weight gain, according to experts

Start making small changes to begin your weight loss journey.
woman holds scale signs you need to lose weight concept



Now that you know what the signs are that you need to flip the scales a little, we'd like to share some effective ways to kick-start the process. A 360-degree change in weight loss through diet or intense daily exercise can be difficult, so start with smaller changes.

Dr Bohl suggests: "If you are trying to figure out how to incorporate these things into your daily life, then