How Losing Weight Will Affect Your Immune System

Having a healthy immune system is something everyone strives for. With a healthy immune system, you are less likely to fall ill from a cold, the flu, or other diseases that try to invade your body. The problem is, if you are overweight, you are at an increased risk for a weak immune system. If you have been losing weight and wonder how that might affect your overall health, have no fear. Healthy weight loss will not put you at greater risk for illness. Here are three of the ways that losing weight helps the immune system:
Losing weight strengthens your immune system.
When you lose weight, it can actually strengthen your immune system. You are filling your body with the necessary vitamins, minerals, and nutrients you need when you are dieting and exercising. In turn, it makes your body stronger and helps to fight off nasty colds and diseases.
Losing weight decreases your risk of serious diseases such as cancer.
When you are losing weight, you are decreasing your chance of ending up with serious diseases later in life, including various types of cancers. As your immune system grows stronger, so do the cells in your body that help ward off cancer.
Losing weight helps you stay healthy without any shots during flu season.
During flu season, even the healthiest person is susceptible to catching a flu or cold. However, if you live a healthy, fit lifestyle, you are reducing your chances of needing a flu shot to avoid these illnesses during the spring–which is good news for those who hate shots and those who frequently catch the flu. Most doctors agree that, if you keep a healthy weight and lifestyle, you are less likely to get sick during cold and flu season.
Protecting your immune system is a priority. However, by losing weight you can keep your immune system and your entire body healthy and strong. Start a diet and exercise plan that is right for you; it will pay off in the long run.