Here is a definition of the word “ENERGY”: the strength and vitality required for sustained physical or mental activity.
Unlike blood pressure, glucose or cholesterol levels that can be measured objectively, the amount of energy you feel is a subjective sensation. If I were to ask you, on a scale of 1-10, with “10” being amazingly high energy and “1” incredibly low energy, how would you self-rate?
Being overweight/obese adversely impacts energy levels due to several reasons:
- Carrying around excessive weight taxes the musculoskeletal/joint system to perform more work in simply moving around during the day.
- Pulmonary function is adversely impacted and healthy lungs/breathing are vital to feeling high energy levels
- Poor quality sleep will result in daytime fatigue/low energy
- Chemical factors associated with poor weight control such as high leptin levels and low dopamine levels contribute to low energy levels
- Medications being taken for weight-related co-morbidities such as hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol may have side effects including lowering energy levels
- Mood issues associated with poor weight control may lower energy levels
One of the very early positive comments we hear from patients as they are losing weight is how much more energy they feel. They describe a heightened ability to accomplish daily tasks, keep up with their younger family members/peers and become involved with more activities they previously were not able to participate with.
We all would like to feel more energy…stay focused on your weight control efforts and you will be rewarded with much higher energy levels.
