Lose a Little, Gain a Lot (Heart Health)
Maintaining a healthy weight is just one way to reduce your risk of heart disease. While weight loss may seem daunting at first, here is some good news: A small weight loss — just 5 to 10 percent of your current weight — will help to lower your risks of heart disease and other serious medical disorders. The best way to take off pounds is to do so gradually, by getting more physical activity and eating a balanced diet that is lower in calories and fat. High-fat foods contain more calories than the same amount of other foods, so they can make it hard for you to avoid excess calories. But be careful — “low-fat” doesn’t always mean low in calories.
For example, sometimes extra sugars are added to low-fat desserts.
For some people at very high risk, medication also may be necessary. To develop a weight-loss or weight-maintenance program that works best for you, consult with your doctor, registered dietitian, or qualified nutritionist.
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