Are you suffering from bad health due to obesity and wondering if weight loss will cause some improvements? Yes, losing weight has many health benefits. Here, we’ll discuss what losing 50 pounds does to your body, how it is beneficial and what are the “not-so-good” effects (if any).
Without a doubt, losing 50 pounds is a significant accomplishment, and it’ll have a number of positive effects on your body. Such as, you may see a decrease in your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, as well as an improvement in your blood sugar levels. Additionally, you’ll feel more energetic, and active, and are able to perform physical activities without getting tired. If you are overweight and looking for ways to improve your overall health, losing 50 pounds is a great place to start!
Read how long does it take to lose 50 pounds in a healthy way.
Table of Content
- What Losing 50 Pounds Actually Does To Your Body?
- Benefits of Losing 50 Pounds Body Weight
- 1. It Reduces the Risk of Developing Diabetes
- 2. It Can Lower Blood Pressure
- 3. It Reduces the Risk of Heart Disease
- 4. It Can Help to Lower Cholesterol Levels
- 5. It May Help to Ease Joint Pain
- 6. It Can Boost Your Energy Levels
- 7. It Can Help You to Sleep Better
- 8. It Can Improve Your Mental Health
- 9. It Improves Sexual Health
- 10. It Can Help You to Conceive
- 11. It Can Lower Your Cancer Risk
- Side Effects of Losing 50 Pounds
- What Is The Recommended Duration To Lose 50 Pounds?
- Final Words
What Losing 50 Pounds Actually Does To Your Body?
Losing that much weight will require discipline and consistency but you’ll find the motivation after knowing what actually happens to your body after losing 50 pounds. Along with some improvements in your physical health, weight loss can bring changes in your lifestyle, senses, mental health and well-being.
On the other hand, there are some side effects of weight loss too, but benefits override them – we’ll discuss them too further in the article.
What Losing Weight Does To Your Body and Brain
Benefits of Losing 50 Pounds Body Weight
When you are obese, it means that you have excess body fat. This excess weight can lead to a number of health problems, including:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Sleep apnea
- Arthritis
- Heart disease
- Stroke
Losing 50 pounds can have a positive effect on all of these conditions. In fact, even a 10% weight loss can improve your health. Below are some significant benefits of losing weight:
1. It Reduces the Risk of Developing Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition in which your body cannot properly use insulin. This can cause your blood sugar levels to become too high. Aging and obesity are major risk factors for type 2 diabetes. In fact, 84% of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight or obese.
Losing weight can help to lower your blood sugar levels and reduce your risk of developing diabetes. In one study, people who lost 33 pounds or more reduced their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58%.
Read how to lose weight after 40 to avoid diabetes.
2. It Can Lower Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease. Around one-third of the American population is suffering from obesity and hypertension. And, it is known as the “silent killer”. Losing weight can help to lower your blood pressure and improve your health.
In one study, people who lost 10 pounds of body weight experienced a 10 mmHg drop in their blood pressure. That means, losing 50 pounds will bring a notable reduction in hypertension, or even eliminate it.
3. It Reduces the Risk of Heart Disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Obesity is a major risk factor for heart disease. In fact, obese people are 50% more likely to develop heart disease than those of normal weight.
Losing weight can help to reduce your risk of developing heart disease. In one study, people who lost 50 pounds or more had a 70% lower risk of developing heart disease.
4. It Can Help to Lower Cholesterol Levels
High cholesterol is another major risk factor for heart disease. Having high cholesterol doubles your risk of developing heart disease. And, being overweight can increase the chances of high cholesterol levels by 60%.
Losing weight can help to lower your cholesterol levels. In one study, people who lost 40 pounds or more had a 10% drop in their LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and a 10% increase in their HDL (good) cholesterol levels.
5. It May Help to Ease Joint Pain
Joint pain is a common problem for obese people. In fact, around 50% of obese people suffer from joint pain. This is because the extra weight puts strain on your joints and can cause inflammation.
Losing weight can help to ease joint pain and improve mobility. According to Arthritis Foundation (AF), losing 1 pound of body weight will eliminate 4 pounds of pressure from knee joints. That means, losing 50 pounds will take away 200 pounds of pressure from your knees.
6. It Can Boost Your Energy Levels
If you are overweight, you may find that you have less energy than you’d like. Even mobility becomes harder after walking a few steps. This is because carrying extra weight can be tiring. Shedding 50 pounds will take off the extra weight from your body and you’ll feel more energetic to perform daily tasks.
7. It Can Help You to Sleep Better
Overweight people mostly suffer from sleep apnea. This is a condition where your breathing is interrupted while you sleep. It can cause irregular sleep, you wake up feeling tired and can make it hard to concentrate during the day.
According to a study at the University of Pennsylvania, obese people who lost 6% of their body weight slept 30 minutes more, peacefully. Losing 50 pounds will make it easier for you to breathe at night while sleeping and can help to reduce sleep apnea, and eventually, it’ll improve the quality of your sleep.
Studies have shown that sleep also helps with height growth along with many other health benefits.
8. It Can Improve Your Mental Health
Mental health problems like depression and anxiety are common in obese people. This is because carrying extra weight can affect your self-esteem and body image. Overweight people find it hard to feel confident, and they often lack motivation.
Losing weight can help to improve your mood and mental health by boosting your self-confidence and improving your body image. Plus, it will lead to further fitness goals like eating healthy and exercising regularly, which will help to keep depression and anxiety at bay.
9. It Improves Sexual Health
Obesity can affect your sexual health in several ways. It can lead to erectile dysfunction in men and can reduce libido in both men and women. Libido drives sexual desire and it is inversely proportional to weight and fat.
Losing weight can help to improve sexual function and increase libido. In one study, 60% of men who lost 20% of their body weight reported an improvement in their erectile function and sex drive. Plus, they were more active in bed, (reported by partners).
10. It Can Help You to Conceive
If you are an overweight girl, you may find it difficult to conceive. This is because being obese can affect your hormone levels and disrupt your menstrual cycle.
Losing weight can help to improve fertility in women by regulating their hormone levels and normalizing their menstrual cycle. In one study, women who lost 10% of their body weight increased their chances of conceiving by 50%.
11. It Can Lower Your Cancer Risk
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. And, being overweight can increase your risk of developing cancer by 20%.
Losing 50 pounds will definitely lower the risk of cancer. In one study, people who lost 10% of their body weight had a 30% lower risk of developing cancer.
Side Effects of Losing 50 Pounds
There are some potential side effects of losing 50 pounds that you should be aware of. However, if you take a doctor’s and a dietitian’s advice, follow a healthy diet plan and exercise regularly, you are less likely to experience these “not-so-good” effects of weight loss:
1. Metabolism Will Slow Down
If you lose a large amount of weight quickly, your body will go into “starvation mode.” In other words, your metabolism will slow down in order to conserve energy. This is not necessarily a bad thing if you are trying to lose weight and keep it off long-term. However, it can make the weight loss process more difficult.
2. You May Lose Muscle Mass
If you lose weight too quickly, you may also lose muscle mass. Muscle tissue is more metabolically active than fat tissue, so it helps to keep your metabolism going. Losing muscle mass can make it more difficult to lose weight and keep it off.
However, you can do strength training 4+ times a week to sustain the muscle mass. Eat more protein, and include 25 to 30% protein in your diet, it will help to preserve your muscle mass.
Keto is the most recommended weight loss diet by the dietitians and professional fitness trainers.
3. You May Experience Loose Skin
We often get asked, “will I have loose skin after losing 50 pounds”? Yes, if you lose 50 pounds weight quickly, you may be left with loose skin. This is especially true if you have been overweight or obese for a long time. The skin is stretched and doesn’t have the elasticity to “snap back.”
In addition, you may experience stretch marks on your skin after getting slimmer. This is because your skin was stretched because of fat and most of the fat has been lost. But do not worry, the skin will bind at its place and marks will go away, or you can use some products for quick results.
50 pounds is a lot of weight and if you lose it fast, you may experience wrinkles on your face or skin sagging – mostly at the cheeks and under arms. You’ll need to drink more water, stay hydrated and consume more fruits and vegetables containing vitamin E and Omega-3 fatty acids to protect your skin from sagging. The best sources of vitamin E are almonds, spinach, avocado, olive oil, sunflower oil, peanuts, and broccoli.
4. You May Feel Colder
As you lose weight, your body will have less insulation. And losing 50 pounds will reduce insulation to a significant level. This can make you feel colder, especially in cold weather. You may need to dress in layers or wear warmer clothing to stay comfortable.
The fat layer around the muscles helps them stay warm. Losing that layer, or making it thinner will increase the chances of a direct connection between muscles and coldness.
5. You May Experience Nutritional Deficiency
If you lose weight too quickly, you may not be getting all the nutrients your body needs. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies, such as anemia. That’s why doctors do not advise rapid weight loss or following any extreme weight loss method. To avoid this, make sure you are eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods and taking a multivitamin supplement.
What Is The Recommended Duration To Lose 50 Pounds?
It’s not easy to lose 50 pounds, but if you are dedicated to improving your health, it’s definitely possible. How long it takes you to lose weight depends on a variety of factors, including your starting weight, diet, and exercise habits.
If you do not have any medical condition, it is healthy to lose 1 to 2 pounds in a week. That means, it will take you 25 weeks or 6 months to lose 50 pounds if you follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
Read how much weight can you lose in a month then plan accordingly.
We advise consulting your doctor before beginning any weight loss program. And remember, the best way to keep the weight off is to make sustainable lifestyle changes. That means keep eating a clean and healthy diet, and make the workout a habit even after you reach your targeted weight.
Final Words
Losing 50 pounds has many benefits for your health, including decreased blood pressure and cholesterol levels, as well as improved blood sugar levels. Additionally, you may find that you have more energy and are able to do more activities without getting tired.
Along with benefits, there are also some potential side effects of losing 50 pounds that you should be aware of, such as a slower metabolism, loss of muscle mass, and loose skin. But if you take a doctor’s and a dietitian’s advice, follow a healthy diet plan and exercise regularly, you are less likely to experience these negative effects.
So, if you are dedicated to improving your health, losing 50 pounds will definitely bring a positive impact. Just be sure to take it slow and steady to avoid any potential health problems.
Frequently Asked Questions: (FAQs)
Is 50 pound weight loss a lot?
Losing 50 pounds is a lot of weight and it will require discipline, dedication and time to achieve this goal. However, it is possible to do it gradually and safely by making lifestyle changes and following a healthy diet and workout plan.
How long will it realistically take to lose 50 pounds?
The time it takes to lose 50 pounds will vary for each person. It depends on your starting weight, diet, and exercise habits. On average, it will take around 6 months to lose 50 pounds.
Is losing 50 pounds in a year healthy?
Yes, losing 50 pounds in a year is considered healthy. However, it’s important to take it slow and steady to avoid any potential health problems. And remember, the best way to keep the weight off is to make sustainable lifestyle changes.
Can you lose 50 pounds without loose skin?
If you lose weight too quickly, you may not have enough time for your skin to adjust and this can lead to loose skin. To avoid this, make sure you are losing weight gradually and following a healthy diet plan. Eat more fruits and vegetables containing vitamin E and Omega-3 fatty acids. Additionally, you can help tighten your skin by doing regular strength-training exercises.
