The Benefits of Losing a Few

We've all heard about the adverse effects that excess weight can have on our health. It can increase our risk for high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attack, stroke, and certain types of cancer. But did you know that extra weight can have negative effects on your bladder health as well? It's true. According to the National Institutes of Health, being overweight can put pressure on the bladder and nearby muscles, contributing to bladder leakage.

In a University of California study, overweight and obese women with bladder leakage problems were assigned to a 3-month weight reduction program. At the end of three months, bladder leakage issues in all 40 women had significantly decreased. The results suggest that a weight loss of just 5 to 10 percent can have a very positive influence on bladder function.

If you're overweight, work with your doctor to plan a diet and exercise program that works for you. In addition, the following tips may help you supercharge your weight loss:

Eat breakfast. Not eating the first meal of the day can send your body into "starvation mode," encouraging it to horde, rather than burn, calories. In fact, several studies have shown that breakfast eaters are generally slimmer than those who don't eat the first meal of the day. Be sure to eat a healthy breakfast every morning.

Munch on small snacks throughout the day. Extending the time between meals or skipping them altogether can slow down your metabolism. So try to eat something every three to four hours. Rather than consuming one or two large meals, opt for four to six small meals and snacks throughout the day.

Get plenty of rest. It's no secret that people who don't get their z's are more prone to weight gain. According to some experts, sleep regenerates lean muscle tissue and boosts metabolism, while a lack of sleep slows the rate at which your body burns calories. For best results, try to get seven to eight hours' rest every night.

Remember, losing just a few pounds can have a profound impact on many areas of your health. So go ahead and challenge yourself to drop some weight. Your body will thank you.