For people who are medically classified as obese, weight loss surgery can be a miracle option. Also known as bariatric surgery, this procedure saves lives and helps once-obese patients live a happier, more self-confident life. Unfortunately, it is not a miracle cure that will keep patients healthy forever.

The simple activity of running can help post-operative patients improve their health, keep the weight off, and improve their happiness:

Running Improves Health

Beyond just weight loss and maintenance, running offers numerous other health benefits. Some of the most notable medical benefits include:

• Improved Cardiovascular Health: Running lowers a person's risk of developing heart disease, decreases blood pressure, improves artery flexibility, and improves circulation.
• Better Bones and Joints: A person can lower the risk of developing osteoporosis by regularly running. The activity strengthens bones and joints in ways that other exercises cannot accomplish.
• Improved Stability: Running strengthens the core muscles, which not only contribute to tight abs, but also improved stability, coordination, and flexibility.

Running Encourages Better Health Habits

Approximately 80% of people who diet wind up gaining the weight back within two years. To maintain a desired weight after shedding pounds, a dieter must do more than just restrict caloric weight. There are several reasons why people cannot maintain their weight loss:

• Lowered Metabolism: When a dieter restricts calories, metabolic rate slows in an effort to compensate. A person's metabolism is what converts calories into energy, so if no energy is expended, metabolism turns the calories into fat.
• Return to Bad Habits: Sometimes, dieters cut out certain foods or habits during the dieting process, but then return to those bad habits once they reach their desired weights.
• No Motivation: Diets focus on weight loss and only weight loss, which is a negative approach that is hard to maintain. Plus, many crash diets consist of eating plans that are completely unreasonable to maintain for the long haul.

Running can help mitigate the risks of gaining back unwanted weight after dieting. Running keeps a person's metabolism revving, which means that fewer consumed calories are converted into fat. It also helps people maintain a healthy lifestyle because it gives people a reason to change bad habits other than to simply lose weight. Running also serves as a great motivator that can increase a person's confidence to make other lifestyle changes.

Running Improves Happiness

Some patients experience depression about six to 12 months after a medical weight loss surgery, and many even face a higher risk of committing suicide. For many patients, the surgery results in better self-image and improved self esteem, but possible weight gain, skin changes, and psychological adjustment to a smaller frame can all contribute to negative emotions.

Thankfully, running has various mental health benefits. For example, the activity produces an increase in the body's production of endorphins, which are linked to happiness, stress relief, and reduced pain. It also keeps the mind and memory sharp, which can also reduce the risk of developing depression. Finally, running improves a person's confidence, so it is very effective in countering the possible negative side effects of post-operative recovery.

To learn more, contact a company like Florida Aesthetics and Medical Weight Loss with any questions you have.