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Excess weight doesn’t just affect your appearance or energy levels; it also impacts your overall health. It can put real stress on your heart. Being overweight or obese increases your risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, and stroke.
Unfortunately, the number of people who’ve died from obesity-related heart disease increased by 180% from 1999 to 2020.
The good news? Losing weight can help protect your heart and reduce your risk of heart disease.
The Maniya Health team explains how weight loss helps your heart and how to lose weight safely.
Why losing weight matters for your heart
Carrying extra weight makes your heart work harder. This added strain can lead to serious cardiovascular problems, including:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Elevated LDL ("bad") cholesterol
- Low HDL ("good") cholesterol
- Insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes
- Increased inflammation in the body
By losing even a modest amount of weight — just 5% to 10% of your starting weight — you can reduce your risk of heart disease and improve health markers.
What does “safe” weight loss mean?
Safe and sustainable weight loss typically means losing 1 to 2 pounds per week. While it can be tempting to chase rapid results, losing weight too quickly may lead to muscle loss, nutritional deficiencies, and rebound weight gain.
The exception? You may be able to safely lose more weight under a medical weight loss program or with the guidance of a physician. Medical oversight ensures that you meet your nutritional needs while losing weight effectively and safely.
Safe weight loss isn’t just about how much you lose. Avoid extreme or trendy diets — like “celery juice only” plans or detox teas — that promise fast results but lack essential nutrients.
Lasting success requires a balanced approach that focuses on nutrient-dense, low-calorie foods. For example, a large salad packed with leafy greens, colorful veggies, and lean protein can leave you feeling full and satisfied, without the calorie overload.
A solid weight loss plan should also include exercise and good sleep hygiene. Exercise not only helps you burn calories but also preserves muscle mass and supports heart health, metabolism, and mood.
Getting 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night helps regulate hunger hormones, reduces cravings, and supports your body’s ability to burn fat.
Reach your goals with medical weight loss
Even when you’re going through the right motions — eating right and exercising — weight loss can be tough. That’s because there are a lot of factors that influence your metabolism.
You’re not alone, though.
At Maniya Health, our weight loss programs are medically supervised, made to meet your unique health needs, and focused on sustainable results.
We don’t believe in fad diets or one-size-fits-all solutions. Your personalized plan may include:
Prescription weight loss medications
Our team offers several prescription weight loss medications, including Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Mounjaro®, Zepbound®, Adipex®, Metformin, Contrave®, and Qsymia® .
These can help manage both your appetite and blood sugar levels.
Dietitian-designed meal planning
Our registered dietitians and nutritionists will work with you to create balanced, heart-healthy meal plans that fit your lifestyle and preferences. This is particularly helpful if you already have a condition, such as diabetes or hypertension, that requires specific dietary changes.
Hormone and metabolic testing
Sometimes, hormone issues can block your weight loss progress. We can evaluate and treat conditions that may be slowing your progress, such as thyroid issues, insulin resistance, and hormone imbalances.
Medical care for underlying conditions
As primary care providers, we understand firsthand how obesity can impact your heart health. Losing weight and improving your diet can help manage conditions like diabetes, hypertension, prediabetes, and high cholesterol.
In some cases, weight loss alone may be enough to reverse these conditions. We monitor your lab work and blood pressure readings to help you stay on track.
Support
Your care team is with you every step of the way — whether in person or through telehealth. We monitor your vital signs, adjust your plan as needed, and offer support and education to keep you motivated.
How much weight can you lose with medical weight loss?
Most people lose between 1 and 5 pounds per week, depending on their plan. With the newest generation of weight loss medications, some lose 15% (or more) of their starting weight.
However, we’ve seen people lose up to 25% of their starting weight!
Ready to protect your heart?
If you’re ready to lose weight and take control of your heart health, we’re here to help. With expert providers, effective medications, and customized care, Maniya Health offers one of the most comprehensive medical weight loss programs in Hamilton, Robbinsville, and Hopewell, New Jersey.
Call the location closest to you to get started.