Lose now, gain benefits later

You've heard of lose-lose and win-win situations -- but it turns out that lose-win is not only possible, it can also benefit your life enormously. A new study in JAMA Open Network looked at health outcomes for more than 23,000 folks in their mid-30s to mid-40s who were overweight or obese. Those who lost (and kept off) just under 7% of their body weight without surgery or weight-loss medications such as GLPs were significantly more likely to avoid heart attacks, strokes, cancer, asthma or COPD -- or die from any cause -- in the next three or four decades, compared to folks who maintained or gained weight.

This is especially important for people who can't or don't want to use weight-loss medication or surgery to manage their weight. And it highlights the sweeping benefits of losing even a little weight (say, 13 pounds if you are overweight or obese at 200 pounds).

How do you get started? Slowly. Consistently. And tastily! First, identify foods in your diet that you can happily replace with flavorful, healthy alternatives. For example: out with red meat and cold cuts and in with water-packed tuna or lean, fresh-cooked turkey slices. KO fast food and swap white bread for 100% whole grain. Make your condiments healthy by choosing mustard and ketchup without fructose. Ditch sugary treats for fresh fruit. And make sure to select a colorful cross-section of fresh veggies every day. A great model is the Mediterranean diet outlined at medlineplus.gov. And you can find tasty recipes in my "What to Eat When Cookbook."

Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.longevityplaybook.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@longevityplaybook.com.

(c)2023 Michael Roizen, M.D.

Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.


(c) 2025 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.